When Song Yuqing returned home, it was already 11 o'clock in the evening.
Usually, her life and work followed a very regular routine.
Mostly focused on work, she would head home after finishing her tasks, rarely staying out past 10 o'clock. Upon returning home, she would continue addressing some work-related issues.
Being a woman with ambitions, she wasn't particularly interested in social or entertainment activities.
However, these past two nights had been different. She had unexpectedly gone out to enjoy herself with Lin Beifan. Not only did she not feel tired, but she found herself enjoying it immensely.
Their relationship was quickly evolving. While they were technically friends, their interactions felt more akin to those between lovers, though not quite reaching that level.
"Could this be what falling in love feels like?" Song Yuqing blushed at the thought, feeling like she was becoming someone she didn't quite recognize.
Upon arriving home, she picked up her phone and noticed several missed WeChat messages.
Liu Rumei: Yinggege, I'm coming back to China to visit you. Are you excited?
Liu Rumei: Strange, why haven't you replied yet?
Liu Rumei: Are you busy with work again?
Liu Rumei: How busy can a hospital be, after all?
Liu Rumei: Are you there?
This is a very close friend of Song Yuqing's. They have been together since elementary school, all the way through university, fostering a bond that spans over a decade. Their relationship is so strong that they are often referred to as "girlfriends."
They share almost everything and communicate regularly, exchanging a few words every day.
Upon receiving the missed messages, Song Yuqing replied immediately.
Song Yuqing: I'm here!
Liu Rumei replied promptly as well.
Liu Rumei: I almost thought you disappeared again! What have you been up to for the past two days? Why did you reply so late?
Song Yuqing: I spent the past two nights with my friends!
Liu Rumei: Accompanying friends? Besides me, who else do you have as a friend? And it's not just any night to be spending with them...
Liu Rumei: Honestly, are you with your lover? Oh, Song Yuqing, are you hiding a man from me? Do you still value our friendship?
As expected of a close friend, they can discern each other's situations from subtle hints.
Song Yuqing: What nonsense! If you keep this up, I'll ignore you!
Liu Rumei: Alright, as long as you tell me who that man is, I won't be upset anymore!
Song Yuqing: ...
Liu Rumei: I care about you too much. You're such a grown-up, but you've never been in a relationship, and you lack experience! If you fall for some scumbag, you'll suffer a lot!
Song Yuqing: It sounds like you've had your fair share of love!
Liu Rumei: ...
Liu Rumei: Even though I've never been in a relationship, I've devoured hundreds of romance novels and analyzed countless characters and scenarios! My eyes are like a scumbag detection machine, helping you spot any red flags!
Liu Rumei: Alright, spill it, dear sister. You're trying to kill me, aren't you?
Song Yuqing: Alright, I'll tell you. His name is Lin Beifan, and he's 20 years old! But we've only known each other for two days, and for now, we're just friends. We haven't started dating yet!
Liu Rumei: Lin Beifan? Aren't you supposed to say your love interest is the clueless young master of the Lin Group, who spends his days drinking and partying?
Song Yuqing: That's him! Although, he's not as clueless as you think...
Liu Rumei: Song Yuqing, have you lost your mind? How could you fall for such a playboy? He's a huge scumbag, a notorious womanizer! He's had countless girlfriends, and they're probably still lining up for him!
Song Yuqing: He's not as bad as the rumors make him out to be! Sure, he may have a bit of a reputation, but he's actually a responsible, caring, and kind-hearted man. I feel genuinely happy when I'm with him! I believe he's the Prince Charming I've been waiting for!
Liu Rumei: Song Yuqing, you've truly fallen head over heels!
Liu Rumei: He's only considerate and gentle with you to deceive you! He puts on this act for every woman he encounters! Once you're in too deep, he'll reveal his true colors!
Liu Rumei: Women must protect themselves!
Liu Rumei: I strongly advise you to break up with him as soon as possible, or you'll end up sinking deeper into trouble!
However, despite her best friend's warnings, Song Yuqing remained steadfast in her beliefs.
Song Yuqing: Well, I won't argue with you. I'll make my own decisions about my feelings! It's getting late, good night!
In a luxurious apartment in the northern hemisphere, in the country of Lighthouse...
A stunning woman lay on her bed, fuming with indignation. "My sister is completely infatuated. No matter how much I try to reason with her, she refuses to listen. What's so appealing about that scumbag? A man who frequents the nightlife and spends his days drinking isn't worth a second thought! It's even affecting our sisterly relationship! I'm going back home now; I have to expose his true colors!"
With determination, she began to pack her belongings to leave.
In the midst of sorting, she stumbled upon a nearly forgotten invitation letter, and a gleam sparked in her eyes.
Two days had passed unnoticed.
During this time, Lin Beifan diligently visited the protagonist Xiao Chen every day, relieved to see him still lying in bed.
Then, Lin Beifan went to Song's Hospital to pick up Song Yuqing, and they had dinner together, went shopping at night, and enjoyed various activities. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day.
It seemed as if there was a thin layer of glass between them, and it would shatter with the slightest touch.
However, on a particular day, the butler suddenly appeared with someone in tow.
"Master, the boss believes it's time for you to get involved in group affairs. He's appointed a new secretary for you. She holds a master's degree in management from Hafu University and has two years of experience in a renowned investment bank on Wall Street. She's exceptionally capable. Feel free to consult her on anything you don't understand!"