Chapter 122: Striking First

After Lin Xi was awakened, she hadn't seen Lu Yuxiu for several days and hadn't replied to his messages. Fortunately, he had been busy with company matters lately, or else he would have definitely come to catch her by now.

Taking advantage of his busy schedule and his inability to lash out, Lin Xi hurried to the Starlight Group to take the initiative.

Bundled up tightly, she walked to the reception desk, nearly scaring the receptionist into calling security. However, upon seeing Lin Xi’s perfectly shaped apricot eyes, the receptionist immediately brightened up and dutifully escorted her personally to the president’s office.

Lin Xi pushed open the door and stepped in, but Lu Yuxiu was not there. The receptionist smiled and explained, “Miss Lin, President Lu is probably in a regular meeting right now. Please wait a moment.”

“Okay, thank you. Don’t worry about me, you go ahead and take care of your work.” Lin Xi returned the smile.

The receptionist left satisfied.

Bored while waiting, Lin Xi glanced around Lu Yuxiu’s office.

The office was decorated simply, dominated by cool tones and a European style that suited his character well. There were few items inside; the east-facing wall was lined with bookshelves and a large desk. In the center were a few sofas and a coffee table, presumably for receiving guests. The vast space felt somewhat empty with just a few furnishings.

Lin Xi pursed her lips and then sat down at the desk.

On his desk lay a black laptop, and to its left was a photograph.

In the photo, a tall man with handsome features, a high nose bridge, and tightly pressed lips exuded a distant and unapproachable aura.

The woman wore a long black dress, her long hair casually flowing, cheeks slightly flushed, arms crossed as she stood with someone’s arms wrapped around her from behind, giving off a mature woman’s allure mixed with a shy, delicate charm.

No need to say—the man was Lu Yuxiu, and the woman in his embrace was naturally Lin Xi herself.

It was a candid photo from an event they had attended, unexpectedly developed and placed in his office, where he saw it every day.

Lin Xi smiled warmly. Just as she picked up the photo, Lu Yuxiu’s low voice came from outside the door: “Print out these documents and keep a copy on file.”

“Yes, President Lu.”

Lin Xi hurriedly straightened up in Lu Yuxiu’s chair, turning to face away from the door.

There was a sharp “slam” as the door opened, and Lu Yuxiu’s footsteps approached steadily.

Lin Xi inexplicably felt nervous; the air seemed to thicken for a moment.

“Darling?” His deep, melodious voice broke the silence.

Suppressing a smile, Lin Xi put on a stern expression, turned her chair around, and sat arrogantly at his desk like a boss.

Lu Yuxiu couldn’t hide his surprise and quickly stepped forward, asking, “How do you have time to come here?”

Lin Xi looked up at him. In his work mode, he was dignified, dressed in a suit, with a cold and lofty expression, yet now his bright black eyes shone vibrantly.

He bent down and reached out to stroke her soft, smooth hair, but Lin Xi deliberately turned her head to avoid it, leaving him puzzled.

“What’s wrong?” Lu Yuxiu frowned.

Still wearing a stern face, Lin Xi commanded, pointing to a spot: “Stay away from me—stand over there!”

Though confused, not knowing what she was upset about, Lu Yuxiu obediently complied.

He straightened up and stood exactly where she pointed, looking like a student being scolded by the headmaster.

Lin Xi nearly lost her composure but held back her laughter and questioned him, “Why haven’t you come to see me these past few days?”

“No way!” Lu Yuxiu looked extremely aggrieved. “I’ve been busy negotiating projects these days, tied up and couldn’t get away. I sent you so many messages on WeChat, but you didn’t reply to a single one.”

Lin Xi’s heart suddenly ached with guilt. He had just taken over the company and was overwhelmed with work, yet she hadn’t been understanding and had been sulking for days. Now, despite her fussing, he didn’t blame her and spoiled her in return.

She truly wasn’t a good girlfriend.

Her stern face softened instantly, and she lowered her eyes, speaking gently, “Xiu, I’m sorry.”

Lu Yuxiu was stunned, looking at her in surprise. What was happening? Wasn’t he the one supposed to be scolded? Why was his darling apologizing?

“Xiu, I think I’ve been unreasonable. The recent issues with Director Su and Yun Yi made me feel down, and I purposely avoided you. Now I’m here making a fuss, and you still don’t blame me?” She asked with lowered brows and submissive eyes.

Unexpectedly, he chuckled softly, his voice gentle: “Darling, you’ve been sulking at yourself over all this?”

“What’s wrong with that?” Lin Xi pouted in displeasure. Wasn’t she allowed to be upset?

The laughter in Lu Yuxiu’s eyes deepened. He stepped forward two steps, caressing her little face, unable to resist stroking it a few more times. Then, wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her into his embrace and coaxed, “Darling, it’s not your fault. It’s mine—I’ve been so busy I didn’t realize my darling has been suffering so much these days.”

“Why don’t you blame me for being unreasonable?” she asked, feeling down.

She felt guilty—he always accommodated her. She wanted to make it up to him and love him well.

The better he treated her, the more she cherished him.

“Because I love you.” His voice was soft and magnetic as it lingered in her ear, then he gently kissed her forehead.

His “I love you” floated like willow catkins into her ears, making her heart feel as if it would burst from her chest.

“I think I’m really happy right now.” She was dazed, then suddenly changed the subject: “But you still have to be punished!”

“Of course. If I did wrong, I’m willing to be punished.” He said, kissing her lips again.

“Since you know you’re wrong, what are you going to do about it?” Her eyes sparkled mischievously, as if she had caught him.

“I’ll do whatever you want.” He answered without hesitation.

“You’ll spoil me too much like this.” She teased.

“I’m willing to spoil you for a lifetime.” He looked serious.

“Hmph! Who asked for your lifetime? Enough chit-chat, let’s go.” She said, pulling his hand as they headed for the door.

“Where to?” Lu Yuxiu smiled, curling his lips.

“Let’s go home!” She proposed. She knew he was tired and couldn’t bear to see him stay at the office any longer.

“Okay!” He agreed with a smile. “Let’s go home!”

She knew how busy he had been with company matters and hadn’t rested well, so she had bought lots of delicious food and even tried making soup herself.

Just as they reached the door, Lin Xi suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at him with a face full of happiness, her eyes brimming with tenderness: “Lu Yuxiu.”

“Hm?” He turned to look at her, his gaze full of love and care.

“We have to be together forever.” She said affectionately.

“Or else?” A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he reached out to stroke the top of her head. “You’re not going anywhere.”

“Okay, let’s go!” She said happily, pulling his hand as they walked out, a sweet smile lingering on her lips.