Su Qingli's assertive gesture to claim ownership left Chu Ruoyan standing there in shock and also surprised Lu Han.

However, upon reflection, he realized that Miss Su was likely afraid that he might reconcile with Chu Ruoyan, which could jeopardize their agreed-upon "deal."

Subconsciously, Lu Han pulled the woman closer. Why not take advantage when it presented itself, especially with Jiangcheng's top beauty?

Her waist was soft and slender, though slightly less satisfying because of the clothes separating them.

"So you two were really involved from the start."

Chu Ruoyan, regaining her senses, swayed unsteadily. If not for her quick-thinking assistant who steadied her, she would have fallen.

"Don't assume everyone else is as dirty-minded as you, wanting both what's on the plate and in the pot," Su Qingli said mockingly, with a hint of schadenfreude.

"Fear not, we only confirmed our relationship during dinner today."

"But I should thank you."

"If you hadn't broken Lu Han's heart, how could I have had the chance to step in?"

She knew how to hit where it hurt; her words were like salt on an open wound.

However, Su Qingli overlooked one point: Lu Han didn't care about being misunderstood. Even when Ling Mo tried to tarnish his reputation, he didn't bother to explain.

By confirming their new relationship, Su Qingli inadvertently gave Chu Ruoyan hope again.

Staring at Lu Han with tear-filled eyes, Chu Ruoyan pleaded, "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I took your goodness for granted and ignored you."

"Lu Han, give me another chance."

"Let's go home, okay?"

Seeing Chu Ruoyan's devastated expression, Lu Han couldn't help but find it amusing.

After two years together, she had apologized more today than she ever had before.

It was clear she genuinely regretted her actions.

But his heart had already turned cold; no amount of words could change anything now.

"Lu Han, believe me, nothing happened between Ling Mo and me."

Chu Ruoyan initially didn't want to discuss this in front of Su Qingli, as it was embarrassing. She preferred to explain privately to Lu Han.

But Lu Han gave her no chance, remaining unmoved despite her desperate pleas.

Having finally met Lu Han, if she let him go now, who knew when they'd meet again?

Chu Ruoyan decided that being embarrassed was better than losing Lu Han.

"A man and woman spending a night out, still having feelings for each other, it would be strange if nothing happened," Su Qingli interjected, adding salt to the wound.

Chu Ruoyan took a deep breath and defended herself, "We booked separate rooms. You can check!"

"Even if you booked separate rooms, so what?"

Su Qingli scoffed, "Couldn't you have gone to his room or vice versa at night?"

In her view, such things were commonplace.

Several executives in her company did the same, booking separate rooms when traveling with secretaries, yet ending up together at night.

"You—"

Chu Ruoyan felt helpless. She merely attended a concert with Ling Mo, yet she couldn't clear her name no matter what.

"Chu Ruoyan, maybe nothing really happened between you and Ling Mo," Lu Han finally spoke, but his next words crushed her even more.

"But in my heart, it's a thorn."

Lu Han lit a cigarette and said calmly, "Whenever we're together, I'll keep thinking about that night, wondering if you betrayed me."

"It's torture and torment for me."

"What significance do you have to me now?"

"Why should I suffer for someone meaningless?"

These words were the final straw. Chu Ruoyan felt like she had been doused with cold water, chilled from head to toe.

But who could she blame?

Regretting her actions deeply, Chu Ruoyan wished she had never gotten close to Ling Mo, let alone gone to a concert with him.

Su Qingli glanced at Lu Han while observing Chu Ruoyan's dejected state.

There was no trace of hatred or satisfaction on his face, just a chilling indifference.

Curiosity arose within her.

What made him this way?

What had he experienced?

"Qingli, let's go," Lu Han said, pulling her by the waist as they left.

He didn't even glance at Chu Ruoyan as they passed her, treating her like a stranger.

Watching their intimate departure, Chu Ruoyan suddenly laughed bitterly, asking her assistant, "Do you think this is self-inflicted suffering?"

The assistant dared not answer, cautiously suggesting, "President Chu, let me take you home."

Outside, without waiting for Su Qingli to speak, Lu Han released her hand.

He tossed away his cigarette butt and said, "Thank you."

"No need to thank me. As your fiancée, I can't afford to lose face when another woman clings to you."

Surprised by Lu Han's restraint, Su Qingli thought he might try to hold her longer.

"And don't misunderstand; I'm doing this to ensure you don't back out, sweetening the deal a bit."

Thinking of their earlier intimacy, initiated by her, Su Qingli blushed and felt it necessary to clarify.

"Don't worry, I understand."

Lu Han smiled and waved towards Uncle Shen, who drove up in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

"Do you need a ride home?"

He asked Su Qingli, knowing they both had been drinking and needed to avoid potential drunk driving checks.

"No, I have a designated driver," Su Qingli replied, shaking her head. The restaurant manager then handed her the keys to her Lamborghini.

"I forgot to tell you, I own this Western restaurant."

Su Qingli smirked, "Thanks for the thirty-thousand-yuan meal, Young Master Lu."

Expecting at least some surprise, Su Qingli waited several seconds, but Lu Han remained unperturbed.

Unable to resist, she asked, "Aren't you angry, or... say something?"

Lu Han paused briefly, "I was just thinking if this counts as keeping profits within the family."

Su Qingli: "..."

Shouldn't have opened her mouth!

...

...