The butler, seeing the master in such difficulty, stepped forward and said, "I know I shouldn’t speak, but the master has had a long day, and the birthday ended like this, leaving him in a bad mood and not feeling well. So, I’ll take him back to rest first. Please don’t upset the master anymore. It’s his birthday today, after all."

The butler wanted to take the old master away, citing that he was tired. The old master understood the butler’s intention but feared that his son would directly bring Su Zining into the headquarters, as the matter was still unresolved.

Right now, the most important thing was to find Wang Cuixia to resolve the root cause of all these problems. So, he squinted at Su Zining.

"Didn’t you just say you wanted to make a name for yourself in the construction materials company? Why are you unwilling now? Just do your best. The construction materials company has a bright future, and you’ll realize this once you get going."

"And the two of you are destined to be together, so there’s no need to develop feelings right now. Besides, Yiyi isn’t feeling well, so there’s no need to bother her. If you want to meet, you can come to the house directly. Young people should focus on work instead of being distracted by love affairs, which doesn’t help your career. There will be plenty of time for romance later on."

After the old master finished speaking, his gaze fell on his son with a particularly clear implication. Xiao Zhen coughed lightly; who would have thought that after saying a few words to Su Zining, the old master would direct the trouble to him? Indeed, he was blind to trust Ye Jingli before and let her stay here for so many years.

Now, if any more mistakes were made, the old master might hold it against him, so Xiao Zhen decided to become invisible, not daring to speak anymore.

At this moment, Su Zining wanted to say more but had no way to, so he could only nod obediently, fearing he might annoy the old master.

"Since Grandpa Xiao said so, I’ll surely listen to him and work diligently in the construction materials company. However, I hope the young lady’s mood improves soon. I’ll put in the effort to make her like me, as we’re meant for each other."

Su Zining emphasized the "meant to be" heavily, and Grandpa Xiao curiously glanced at him before returning to his room.

"That’s the way my dad is. He’s spent his entire life in the business world, always at the top like a king, and few dare to contradict him, not even I. But you’ll need to work hard because whatever my dad says goes."

Xiao Zhen warned Su Zining, fearing the young man might do something that Grandpa Xiao would oppose: "My dad hates it when men prioritize romance over their careers, as it jeopardizes their professional success. You’ll regret it later. So, my advice is to focus on work now, don’t rush into romance. When the time to marry comes, the old master will be more anxious than you."

Meanwhile, Xu Ke had just gotten into his car and was about to leave the parking lot when a striking silhouette blocked his way. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Yang Tianzhen appeared particularly stubborn, like an immovable force: "Get out of the car. I have something to tell you, and it has to be now. I don’t want to wait any longer. Hurry up, I’m waiting for you."

Xu Ke wanted to avoid further entanglement with this young lady, but her persistence was unshakable. With no other choice, he unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the car door, and got out.

Yang Tianzhen had planned to leave but felt heartbroken for Xu Ke after hearing others’ gossip. Knowing Xu Ke’s gentlemanly nature, she couldn’t bear the thought of him marrying Xiao Keyi.

"What is it, Miss? If you have something to say, make it quick; I have things to do and no time to deal with your tantrums."

Hearing Xu Ke’s words, Yang Tianzhen felt a bit hurt. Xu Ke was so gentle with Xiao Keyi, willing to discard his dignity for her. Why was he so harsh with her?

Is it because whoever loves more is humbler? If so, then I’m destined to be humble. Just a moment ago at the banquet, she didn’t like him; now she couldn’t let go after just one night. What went wrong? Is it sympathy?

But Yang Tianzhen couldn’t fathom it. She had already entered the car but jumped out upon hearing the gossip, as if in a frenzy.

Even though Yang Tian kept calling for his daughter, he couldn’t stop her. She rushed to the parking lot, taking a breath. He wondered what was wrong with her tonight. Was it because of Xu Ke? Thinking of Xu Ke gave Yang Tian a headache.

"I know you find me annoying and think I’m just an arrogant young lady. But I’m not like that; I’m just a person like anyone else. I’ve been humble enough before you. Why is it that you see only Xiao Keyi and not me? If you just turn your head, you’ll see I’m right here supporting you."

"Why can’t you look back when you’re suffering? Do you know, watching you suffer pains me greatly."

Yang Tianzhen had lost her composure, pouring out her heart. She realized that if she missed this chance, it would be forever. She didn’t want to miss out on someone her entire life.

But Xu Ke was stunned. Isn’t this young lady very proud? What’s happening now? Has she really fallen for him? Xu Ke was dumbfounded.

Not knowing what to say, he leaned against the car.

"You’re still just a young girl and have spent so much time abroad, so it’s natural to have a bit of admiration for me. But remember, you are your father’s only daughter, and he’d never let you spend your life with me."

"Moreover, there’s a huge gap between us. You’re a delicate young lady."

"And I? I’m just a wild bird perched on a branch, never to become a phoenix. You’ve been around high society all your life and never seen someone from my world, which makes me seem appealing to you. But this appeal is just because of novelty. So, suppress your feelings. I know you’re a good girl and a kind person, and I don’t want to hurt you."