Chapter 290 Blessing
Gu Mingchen’s gaze fell upon her. Although he remained quiet, the space between them crackled with a tangible tension that spoke a thousand words.
This feeling was both familiar and foreign as it pressed down on her. Unable to bear the weight of his stare, she lowered her head.
“Did you enter the wrong room?” The person beside Gu Mingchen piped up, breaking the suffocating silence.
Bai Rong immediately turned to leave, but Chen Bin wrapped his fingers around her arm. “I’ll call and ask.”
Bai Rong nodded.
Chen Bin gave her a gentle smile and made the call, his eyes filled with adoration for her.
A phone rang on the other side of the door.
Lu Xingzhou walked in with his phone pressed to his ear. “Oh, you’ve arrived. Sorry, traffic was slow today,” he explained with an innocuous grin.
“Ms. Bai!” Lu Biao greeted excitedly.
“Ms. Bai,” his mother echoed, looking uncomfortable. The juxtaposition of Bai Rong rescuing her son and the two women’s animosity made for an awkward meeting.
Bai Rong bowed her head slightly in greeting. As far as formalities went, a nod of acknowledgment would suffice.
Upon noticing Lu Xingzhou, Chen Bin ended the call and said cordially, “It’s the peak hours after work, so it’s no surprise that you got caught in traffic. You reached just in time, Governor Lu. I was starting to think that we’re in the wrong room.”
“These are my friends. I’ll introduce you to each other.” Lu Xingzhou gestured at Gu Mingchen. “This is Chief Gu of the Special Forces Military Base.”
“Chief, this is Bai Rong, a renowned psychologist, and Chen Bin is the current director of our police forces. You’re elites, all of you! I was a nobody when I was your age,” Lu Xingzhou showered them with praises as he occupied a seat facing the door — the spot reserved for the host of the event.
Lu Biao took a seat to his left, whereas Gu Mingchen sat to the right of Lu Xingzhou, taking the most coveted seat in the room.
As they had made reservations, the dishes were quickly served. The excellent service was also attributed to the presence of the distinguished guests.
The waiters filled their glasses with red wine.
“I would like to thank you, Ms. Bai. I’m truly sorry for the misunderstanding that occurred between you and my wife. I was swamped with work and did not hear the full story then. My negligence brought you much grief, so I would like to dedicate this toast to you as an apology.” Lu Xingzhou beamed and raised his wine glass in Bai Rong’s direction.
The woman in question mirrored his actions as a response.
Lu Biao’s mother was a timid person, so it was impossible that she held back information from Lu Xingzhou. Lu Xingzhou had made this toast in front of everyone to evade any responsibility regarding the contract, thus clearing himself in the eyes of the law.
Had Bai Rong smiled and accepted his toast, not only would the contract be extended, but it would come back to bite her in the butt three months later.
There were times when etiquette and courtesy had to be put on the backburner.
“Didn’t Mrs. Lu call you back then?” Bai Rong countered before taking a sip of her wine.
Lu Xingzhou never expected Bai Rong to expose him in front of such prominent figures. Unease apparent on his face, he turned to his wife. “Did you tell me about this?”
Mrs. Lu’s face paled as she stammered, “I’m sorry, b-but my memory is failing me. I-I don’t remember.”
Indeed, she had badmouthed Bai Rong multiple times in hopes of getting rid of Bai Rong as Lu Biao’s tutor. However, protecting her husband’s reputation was of utmost priority at the moment.
“In that case, it’s fortunate that I remember everything distinctly. Nevertheless, I always keep my personal issues separate from my work. I am simply following the arrangements of the research institute by coming here, and I will fulfill my duties. Thank you for the meal, Governor Lu. This toast is for you.” Bai Rong lifted her glass respectfully.
Lu Xingzhou shot a glare at his wife. He could not afford to lose his composure in front of so many people, so he plastered a faux smile on his face and raised his glass.
“By the way, didn’t you say that you were busy, Governor Lu? I’m surprised that you’re free at noon,” Bai Rong remarked, the corners of her lips upturned.
“I was coincidentally in Jadeborough for an inspection; some things needed to be dealt with. Regardless of how busy I am, I still have to eat my meals, and repaying your kindness is something I can’t just put aside. It’s all thanks to you, Ms. Bai. Had it been someone else, my son might have been wrongfully punished,” Lu Xingzhou replied.
“You’re exaggerating, Governor Lu. If he really was the culprit, the consequences will come back to haunt him sooner or later. The opposite also rings true — justice will prevail for the innocent. All Biao needed to do was show them the phone, and the videos inside would be enough to prove Biao’s innocence,” Bai Rong explained.
“Is that so?” Shocked, Lu Xingzhou whipped around to look at Chen Bin.
Chen Bin nodded. “It’s true. However, your son refused to speak no matter who was questioning him,” Chen Bin said with a chuckle.
Lu Xingzhou heaved a sigh. “My son only listens to you. I sincerely wish to hire you as his tutor.”
“Ms. Bai!” Lu Biao shouted unabashedly, “I like you!”
Gu Mingchen’s eyes darkened with emotion as he looked at Bai Rong. He brought the glass to his lips and took a gulp.
Bai Rong gave Lu Biao a faint smile. “Right from the start, you’ve never needed my help. Others might doubt your abilities, but I believe in you completely. You will grow up to be a person of value. Remember this: Don’t make any detrimental mistakes, and don’t veer off course.” She raised her glass and looked meaningfully at Lu Biao.
Lu Biao mimicked her actions, his eyes reddening as he choked, “Thank you, Ms. Bai.”
Bai Rong tapped the glass on the table and downed its contents.
Lu Biao followed suit.
“Fill her glass,” Lu Xingzhou reminded his son.
Lu Biao picked up the wine bottle and walked over to Bai Rong to refill her glass.
Chen Bin, too, lifted his glass. “A toast to you. Thank you for coming here.”
Picking up her glass yet again, Bai Rong responded, “There’s no need for that. I should be the one thanking you for saving me.”
“Can I see it as a gift from the heavens?” Chen Bin asked rhetorically as his glass clinked against hers. He then tipped his head back and polished off the drink.
Bai Rong glanced at his empty glass and did the same. She knew that it would leave a bad impression if she did not finish her wine as well.
Lu Xingzhou noticed something peculiar about their interaction. “Have you two met before?”
“I would say that it’s fate — a good one, at that,” Chen Bin replied wittily. His tone carried a hint of suggestiveness that was common to men.
Gu Mingchen downed yet another drink. His eyes were like bottomless pits, deep and dark.
“Do you have a boyfriend, Ms. Bai?” Lu Xingzhou inquired.
Bai Rong lowered her eyes and tried to glance surreptitiously at Gu Mingchen.
Bai Rong could not make out his expression; perhaps they were too far apart.
Do I have a boyfriend? I suppose Su Xuyan counts as one.
“Yes,” Bai Rong said with conviction in hopes of deterring Chen Bin from making any advances.
Chen Bin appeared rather crestfallen, but he remained courteous nonetheless. “Your boyfriend is a lucky guy,” he quipped.
“I hope so,” was Bai Rong’s ambiguous reply.
A waiter refilled Bai Rong’s glass. The dark red liquid swirled in her glass.
“Chief, do you have a girlfriend?” Lu Xingzhou changed the subject and directed a question at Gu Mingchen.
“Yes,” he answered curtly and tossed his drink back, refusing to elaborate further.
Lu Xingzhou poured Gu Mingchen a drink. “Your girlfriend must be happy. Here’s to you!”
Gu Mingchen gave no reply and gulped down the wine.
Bai Rong regarded him, taking his actions in.
Gu Mingchen is a responsible man. Once he gets married, he will put his heart into the marriage. His wife and children will become his priority, and he will never do anything to disappoint them.
He is a good man, truly.
“I wish you all the best, Chief Gu.” Bai Rong blessed him earnestly as she raised her glass for another toast.
Crack. Gu Mingchen’s grip tightened around his glass, and the fragile material cracked under pressure. A shard of glass pierced his palm. Crimson blood covered his entire hand, trickling down his wrist.
