Li Tingshen hated the iron for not being steel, "Fine, dream all you want, it's up to you."
"Divine Doctor Lu said that your next treatment requires the use of a hot spring; this location isn't convenient for treatment, the hot spring villa has already been constructed, I have arranged for you to go there."
Liu Qingyu said coldly, "I can go there, but you can't stop your father from visiting me."
She had waited so agonizingly for years, only to finally see Li Hongxuan look back at her; there was no way she would play the noble and ignore him!
In other words, she could give up on her son, but she would never give up on Li Hongxuan!
Li Hongxuan was her dream, and even more so, her obsession!
Li Tingshen was so angry he almost laughed, "You love to degrade yourself, suit yourself. But let him not even think about stepping foot in here again, lest he sully my ground!"
...
Gu Mian noticed something was off with Li Tingshen and after asking Cheng Xu, she learned the reason.
"Madam, what do you think about this matter?" Cheng Xu asked curiously.
"Stand by and watch." Gu Mian flipped through her book indifferently, "Although I am Tingshen's wife, I stay out of Liu Qingyu's, my mother-in-law's, business. As long as she doesn't bother me, I will absolutely not meddle in her affairs."
"But shouldn't you at least console President Li?"
"President Li's inner strength is far greater than mine, he does not need comforting."
"..."
"That's true," Cheng Xu said, "So do you think President Li should let go of Li Group?"
"Cheng Xu, we don't have a grudge against each other, do we? Why are you digging a hole for me?" Gu Mian said, fed up, "If I say he shouldn't let go, won't Tingshen's mother hate me to death?"
"And if I say to let go, have you forgotten? Tingshen is targeting Li Group because of Xingzhi. How could I say something that sides with Xingzhi? Wouldn't Tingshen be infuriated and get as sour as a turned vinegar jar?"
Not getting involved in others' affairs is the best approach, as much as it might seem indifferent; oftentimes, meddling can do more harm than good, both to others and to oneself.
Cheng Xu chuckled, "Exactly, no matter how you choose, it won't be right; staying out of it is best."
...
That night, after Gu Mian took a shower, she sat at the vanity table applying skincare.
She turned her head to look at the man leaning against the headboard reading, and softly said, "Tingshen, I'll need to go abroad in a few days."
Li Tingshen frowned, "Why the sudden need to go abroad?"
"There's a bit of work that needs to be dealt with overseas, it will likely take about ten to fifteen days."
Li Tingshen didn't want to be apart, "I'll accompany you."
"No need." Gu Mian sat down on the bed, "Although the Ye Family has backed off, the impact they had on MS Group is surely still lingering. You should stay in the Capital to work, to help stabilize our troops' morale. Lord Jing can accompany me."
Worrying that Li Tingshen might be concerned, she added, "If you're really worried, you can arrange for a couple of capable bodyguards to go with me."
"There's not much happening at MS Group, I have time to go with you." Li Tingshen insisted.
Being apart for ten to fifteen days, he couldn't bear it.
No work was more important than being with her.
"Be obedient." Gu Mian patted his head, "I can take care of myself, and it really is just work, it won't be dangerous."
"You being with me every step of the way would be making a mountain out of a molehill, I don't want you to neglect your work because of me."
"The best state between husband and wife is for each to work hard, and meet at the peak."
Li Tingshen had no choice but to agree, "Then go first, and I'll come to see you when I can."
Gu Mian beamed brightly, "It's just a few days, don't be so clingy. Besides, I want you to stay in the Capital because there's something else I have to ask of you."
"Tell me."
"Even though the Ye Family stopped pursuing Yin Luoxue's death, I've been feeling restless these past days. I'm still worried they might take revenge on the people around me."
"Don't worry, I will secretly arrange for someone to protect Mr. Lu Lang and your uncle."
Gu Mian nodded. "Aside from my master and uncle, there's another person I need you to protect at all costs."
"Who?"
"Divine Doctor Lu Ming..." Gu Mian paused for a moment before continuing, "Divine Doctor Lu Ming, she's very important to me. When I'm not around, please make sure to keep her safe. Don't let anyone lay a finger on her."
Li Tingshen smiled and touched her hair, "She treated you for three months, and you developed feelings for her?"
"Yes, she's my lifesaver, so you must promise me, okay?"
"Okay," Li Tingshen replied, "I'll arrange for more people to ensure her safety at the hot springs villa."
"Thank you."
Li Tingshen lifted his hand to gently stroke her fair and delicate cheek, his Adam's apple bobbing, his voice deep as he said, "Since you're thankful, shouldn't you show some appreciation through actions, hmm?"
Gu Mian tried to hold back her laughter, raised her hand, and poked his chest, earnestly advising, "President Li, you need to control yourself a bit."
"My wife is too irresistible, I simply can't restrain myself."
Li Tingshen took her hand and kissed her lips...
...
It wasn't until the latter part of the night that everything finally quieted down.
Gu Mian was exhausted to the point of collapse.
Li Tingshen carried her to the bathroom for a bath.
Gu Mian was so tired she didn't even have the strength to speak, letting him do as he pleased.
After the bath, as soon as she touched the pillow, she fell asleep.
A good night's sleep.
...
Two days later, Liu Qingyu and Lu Yueming went to the hot springs villa for treatment.
Li Tingshen originally wanted to arrange for more people to take care of them, but Lu Yueming liked quiet, so in addition to the nurse, he only arranged for one servant to clean and cook.
There were plenty of bodyguards outside to protect their safety.
Gu Mian took a night flight to leave, and Li Tingshen drove her to the airport, finding it hard to let her go before parting.
"Remember to call me every day."
"You've said it many times already." Gu Mian smiled and pinched his face, "President Li, aren't you being a little too clingy?"
"There's nothing shameful about being clingy with my wife." Li Tingshen held her, "We agreed on a maximum of half a month. You must come back, or I'll come to find you."
"Definitely." Gu Mian reminded, "Don't forget what I've asked you to do."
"Don't worry, not a hair on her head will be harmed," Li Tingshen pulled up her hand and kissed it, "Take care of yourself."
"Don't worry, Lord Jing is here, and you've arranged bodyguards to protect me as well."
"Hmm," Li Tingshen reluctantly let go of her hand, "Go in."
"I'm leaving."
Gu Mian stood on tiptoes and kissed the corner of his lips, then turned and left.
Li Tingshen watched her retreating figure until she had passed through security, then he left.
...
Gu Mian indeed went for work. She rested in a hotel after landing, and started getting busy with her tasks the next day.
She would call Li Tingshen every morning and evening, but Li Tingshen still called the bodyguards to inquire.
"The lady entered an estate today, the security was particularly tight, and everyone was checked for dangerous items upon entering and exiting."
"Moreover, the two of us couldn't follow her in, only Lord Jing could accompany her. After about an hour or so, the two of them came out."
"I overheard a gardener saying that the owner of the estate seems to be a young single man..."