Chapter 1566: Illusion (6)
Dongfang Liuyun’s gaze fell silent for a while. With one hand propped up on the window sill before her, she silently looked down and responded, “Nothing much. What’s up? Why are you calling me so early in the morning?”
“Nothing, I was just worried about you. I’ve thought about it regarding Mr. Ge’s end. You just do your best. If you can’t, then we’ll just think of other ways. I heard that you didn’t go over that night. I know it’s because of Fujiwara. Anyway, Fujiwara should be arriving in City Z on tonight’s flight. You…”
“Whether or not he comes has got nothing to do with me. Also, I didn’t meet Mr. Ge because I was a little tired and wasn’t feeling well, so I returned to the hotel to rest earlier. Besides, if it’s about the project, I don’t have a need to spend time meeting him either. If he won’t give me the project, there’s no use no matter how much I express goodwill. Your capabilities are right there. In fact, because of Fujiwara, he’s very much likely set on you,” Dongfang Liuyun said as the smile that was on her lips earlier faded away, changing to her usual indifference.
“You seem quite certain. I’m very worried about you, Liuyun.”
As Lan Xiu took a deep breath, he felt uneasy and could not help but say, “I’m afraid that Fujiwara’s return this time around…Between you and him, there’s been a misunderstanding. If you are still…”
“Enough, Lan Xiu. I don’t want to hear the name ‘Fujiwara’ every time I speak to you. This person has long been removed from my life. If you want me to feel better, it’s best if you can think from my perspective as well. As for Mr. Ge, I’ve already spoken to him, but he still has some doubts. It’s best if you make a trip over yourself. This time, I’m really tired. I don’t want to interfere in this anymore. In fact, I’m going to be joining the Dongfang Group quite soon, so you need to watch out for yourself,” Dongfang Liuyun said solemnly while her breathing was still uneasy.
“Alright, I know. I’ll make arrangements for someone to take over from you as soon as possible. Are you rus.h.i.+ng back by flight tomorrow? What time is your flight? I’ll go pick you up.”
Lan Xiu’s lowered voice was filled with the warmth of concern, and it did warm Dongfang Liuyun’s heart to hear that.
She and he had always been like this, had they not?
They had always been quietly caring for each other, but they could only be good friends of many years. Perhaps that was a good thing for them, yet it seemed like some things were bound to be changed.
She did not forget the sudden appearance of a man who could be called her husband in her life, Qi Lei.
“No need. I’ve got someone to fetch me tomorrow, so you do your own thing. I’ll go look for you in another two days. Also, about Fujiwara, I hope you can stop caring about that. Just pretend you don’t know him since that’s best for us all,” she reminded.
“Don’t worry. I have my own considerations. Since that’s the case, I’ll go with you. You should be careful.”
“Mmm, I’m hanging up now,” Dongfang Liuyun replied calmly before hanging up. She sighed and tossed the phone onto the sofa beside her. She then walked over and poured herself a cup of tea although her starry eyes could not conceal a slight gloominess.
…
Meanwhile, on City Z’s end, inside a luxurious manor engulfed by the first rays of the morning sun, Lan Xiu wore a dark sleeping robe and was looking down at the swimming goldfishes in the lake while he propped himself on the railings. His hand held tightly onto his phone that had just dimmed with his brows furrowed tightly, and he tossed some food to the fishes below from time to time.
For some reason, he felt vaguely uneasy.
Something seemed to have happened with Dongfang Liuyun, especially after he rationally rejected her. She seemed to have changed slightly. Of course, he would not be foolish enough to think that Dongfang Liuyun would blame him for this and intentionally distant herself from him.
Instead, something must have happened.
Actually, when Dongfang Liuyun had first asked, he almost did not hold himself back and wanted to agree.
Too many men had been attracted to the excellent Dongfang Liuyun, and that included Lan Xiu. However, he understood that she was not someone that anyone could measure up to. He hoped that she could forever live a happy and carefree life as she did right now.
After all, no one knew better than Lan Xiu the pain and hards.h.i.+ps she had gone through.
However, when he heard Dongfang Liuyun’s nonchalant tone, he could not help but feel a hint of stifled pain like the illusion of being disappointed about losing something. He was suddenly not sure if he had made the wrong choice. If he had agreed then, would he be secretly delighted right now?
At this moment, his a.s.sistant Ah Li spoke and interrupted Lan Xiu’s thoughts, “President Lan, this is the information from City C. Miss Dongfang has informed Mr. Ge that you’ll be personally going over, and Mr. Ge indicated that he looks forward to your visit.”
Lan Xiu turned around and looked at the doc.u.ment that Ah Li handed him. He then took it calmly and flipped through it a few times before handing it back. “Alright, arrange for a trip then. It’s best if we can go over next week. Also, find a way to find out Mr. Ge’s recent movements, and who he has been in touch with recently. Arrange for Vice President Wei to familiarize himself with this project as quickly as possible since he’ll have to personally take on this project after this,” Lan Xiu ordered immediately.
a.s.sistant Ah Li quickly nodded. “Alright, President Lan! I’ll go arrange for this right away! Oh, right, President Lan, Miss Dongfang’s flight should be landing in City Z tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. Do we need to arrange for a car to fetch her? It’s your birthday tomorrow, and we’ve previously made reservations at Xiang She Er restaurant. If we go fetch her, then it will be just in time for dinner.
When Ah Li said that, Lan Xiu paused and gave it a long thought before he said in a lowered voice, “It’s fine, I’ll pick her up personally. Just get things prepared.”
At this point, Ah Li nodded. “Sure, President Lan, what flowers should we prepare for Miss Dongfang?”
“Hyacinths,” Lan Xiu thought about it, then answered quickly. As he said this, he sighed and put his phone into his sleeping robe. He began to toss food towards the goldfishes in the lake again.
The a.s.sistant nodded and kept the doc.u.ments away before he softly answered, “Okay, President Lan.”
Then, he quietly retreated.
The corridor instantly fell silent, and Lan Xiu watched as the fishes swam in the lake below. His elegant face flashed with a smile, yet he looked lonely…