Clara’s mood was complex as she stared at the woman’s face: “I don’t…”

“Don’t be in such a hurry to refuse. There is one million in here, and if you agree, I can give you another three million later. I saw your mother yesterday; she works as a cashier at that mall, right?” The woman shifted the subject and sighed: “It’s very hard work.”

“Even if you are still young now, wouldn't it be better to do something with this money? Travel, buy a house, go abroad.”

There was no hostility or aggression; she was just calmly stating facts. Clara’s life, indeed, didn't even touch the fringes of theirs.

Clara remained silent for a while, then shook her head: “You shouldn’t be coming to me for this; you should go to Julian.”

“Persuade him, and the money won’t be necessary. Naturally, I won’t appear again.”

The woman chuckled: “I raised Julian, of course I know him. At the age of thirty, he still values this kind of useless emotion.”

She looked out the window, her gaze shifting with an indescribable charm, like a shopkeeper in a novel who had seen the world and returned to a stable life.

“I understand you, because I was young once too. But when you get to my age, you will find that nothing is worth mentioning.”

Clara thought she would be very sad, but in reality, she wasn't. During the time she had been with Julian, she had gained a lot of strength. At least in this intimate relationship, she had gained a sense of security, had outgrown her sensitivity and self-abasement, and had become a better version of herself.

So she shook her head firmly, took her bag, stood up, and stopped talking: “Unless you make him come and tell me himself, I will not break up with him.”

As if she had expected this reaction, the woman wasn't surprised. Instead, she spoke softly to Clara’s retreating back: “Change your mind, and you can find me anytime.”

Clara’s back stiffened, but she didn't answer, leaving the place.

When she got home that evening, her mother had swapped shifts and finished cooking early. Seeing her alone, she said casually: “Where is that boy, Julian? If he brings you home, you should at least ask him to come in for a meal.”

Clara helped set the table and served the rice: “He had something to do and went on a business trip; he didn't bring me back.”

Julian had told her yesterday that he was going on a business trip; it was the final wrap-up work abroad.

Her mother said "Oh": “His work is indeed very busy, huh? I think he’s quite good.”

“We can’t afford to climb the ladder of those wealthy families, but I think most highly of hardworking children like Julian. Once you get married, I can even help take care of the kids.”

Clara was absent-minded and didn't think too much about her mother’s words, responding only perfunctorily.

After dinner, her mother put down her chopsticks after only a few bites. Clara looked sideways: “Mom, why did you only eat so little?”

“I don’t know what’s wrong lately, I don’t have much of an appetite. I feel bloated after a few bites. Maybe I caught a chill in my stomach.”

Clara frowned: “I’ll go with you to the hospital to check it out this weekend.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I know what a chilled stomach feels like; it’s exactly like this.”

Her mother wanted to decline, but she couldn't resist Clara’s insistence that she go to the hospital, so she had to take leave for Saturday.

Chapter 18

Julian had been very busy since returning from his business trip, and Clara had to go to his company several times to find him.

As for the matter with Julian’s mother, Clara didn't tell him much; there was no need.

Julian was in a meeting with senior management, and Clara didn't want to go up because every time she went, she was met with the inquisitive stares of those around her. Although she had been a teacher for many years, it still made her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles, so she simply stayed downstairs.

There were some books on the first floor of the lobby, and Clara randomly picked one up to read while she waited.

They were all business-related books, and Clara only half-understood the one she was holding.

The sofa beside her suddenly sank down. Clara ignored it, thinking it was just another client visiting, and scooted to the side.

“This book isn't suitable for beginners. If you want to learn, I can pick one out for you.”

This voice was both familiar and strange, as if she had heard it somewhere before. Clara raised her eyes and saw who it was, her internal alarm bells ringing loudly.

It was Xie Muchuan.

She hadn't forgotten that Xie Muchuan had said this man was spying on him.

Clara sat on another sofa almost immediately, keeping an appropriate distance from him, and didn't answer his question.

Xie Muchuan watched her series of movements with composure. He wasn't annoyed and switched to another topic.

“I heard from Sharon that you are their Chinese teacher. How is she doing in school?” Xie Muchuan explained with a smile, “Nothing special, just asking about her recent situation as a brother.”

Hearing Sharon Xie’s name, Clara immediately remembered that many teachers in the office said she was defiant.

Clara didn't think so; Sharon Xie performed well in both class and her assignments.

“She is doing quite well.” After saying this, Clara didn't speak again, lowering her head to continue reading, her demeanor suggesting "stay away from me."

Xie Muchuan chuckled: “You’re the first teacher to say that.”

After waiting for a while, seeing she wouldn't answer, Xie Muchuan called out: “Clara.”

The person opposite turned a page of her book and ignored him.

Clara thought he would stop if she didn't engage him, but Xie Muchuan was a person who wouldn't stop until he reached his goal.

“Clara, Clara…” Xie Muchuan began to chant like a monk.

She slammed the book shut, somewhat annoyed: “What are you doing?”

Clara rarely got angry. At this moment, her fine eyebrows furrowed, and a faint flush appeared on her face. Even though she was nearly thirty, she still looked like a college student—vivid and bright.

Xie Muchuan had originally just thought about pissing off Julian, but now he seemed to be getting serious.

He leaned back, resting his arm on the back of the sofa, looking comfortable and lazy.

He said: “Clara, come with me.”

“What?” Clara was stunned for a moment. After she realized what he said, she became even angrier. A person who almost never cursed said: “Are you sick?”

Clara didn't want to stay for another second. She took her bag and headed for the elevator. She felt Xie Muchuan’s gaze following her, and she stepped quickly.

Julian sat on the sofa, watching Clara’s retreating back, and smiled imperceptibly.

…

When Julian walked out of the meeting hall and saw Clara in the office, he couldn't help but smile.

As he got closer, he noticed her complexion was very poor. He thought it was those unruly kids giving her a headache again, so he pulled her to the sofa and asked: “What’s wrong? What happened?”

As a teacher, Clara had stepped from one school to another and had never encountered anything like this; she always felt a sense of shame when speaking about it.

After stammering for a long time, she still briefly told Julian about the incident.

Julian’s smile vanished at some point, his expression turning increasingly grim. He held Clara’s hand tighter and tighter until she let out a cry of surprise, at which point he suddenly let go.

Julian buried his head in Clara’s shoulder: “It’s so good that Qiaoqiao doesn’t keep anything from me.”

“I won’t let anyone take you away.”

Chapter 19

After the elevator reached the first floor, they emerged to see Xie Muchuan still sitting in the same spot, as if waiting for them to come down. Their eyes met in the air, filled with the scent of gunpowder.

Xie Muchuan’s eyes shifted down to their intertwined hands, his expression natural: “Brother, take good care of your person.”

“I should say, keep your own in check.”

“Since you’re married, you should really settle down.”

Xie Muchuan turned the ring on his finger unconcernedly: “Even if you’re married, you can still get divorced.”

He looked at Clara behind Julian: “I won’t compete with you for the West City project. Just let her go to me.”

The West City project was their recent focus. For Julian, who had just gained a foothold, it was naturally all benefit and no harm, but for Xie Muchuan, it was just pocket change.

“Sorry, but you really can’t compete with me for the West City project.”

Julian didn't say anything more and left with Clara’s hand in his.