NOVEL WEB Chapter 92:
Chapter 92: Gratitude from the Heroine and an Unexpected Twist:
Chen Dong was halfway to reaching Li Yunshu when he saw her speaking to a handsome man who appeared protective. He hesitated and quickly changed direction, positioning himself in front of Xu Fangfei.
“What… what do you want? We can talk this out.” He stammered nervously.
Xu Hao ignored his plea, raising a hand and delivering a solid slap.
Chen Dong spun around and collapsed to the ground, dazed.
Li Yunshu, standing behind, was both stunned and deeply moved. The man who had been about to strike her was now lying defeated, thanks to Xu Hao. She hadn’t expected the billionaire CEO to be so fierce, but she found comfort and warmth in his protection.
[Ding! Li Yunshu was deeply moved, emotional value +654…]
With a cold expression, Xu Hao led Li Yunshu to Xu Fangfei.
“Why are you bullying Yunshu?” he demanded.
Xu Fangfei almost called him “Daddy” out of reflex but managed to hold back. Bowing her head like a child caught misbehaving, she replied meekly,
“I’m sorry… I won’t do it again.”
“I don’t care what happened in the past. Yunshu is now an employee of my company. If you bother her again, don’t expect any mercy from me.” Xu Hao warned, his tone icy.
“I understand… I won’t do it again.” Xu Fangfei promised quickly.
“Apologize to Yunshu. If she doesn’t forgive you, I won’t let this go.” Xu Hao demanded.
Xu Fangfei nodded obediently and turned to Li Yunshu, bowing deeply.
“Li Yunshu, I’m sorry. I was wrong. I promise never to trouble you again. Please forgive me.”
Li Yunshu’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Xu Fangfei, usually so proud and haughty, was now bowing and apologizing. This was the same woman who strutted around campus like a peacock, dressed in designer clothes and driving luxury cars. Now she looked humbled and fearful. Unsure of what to do, Li Yunshu glanced at Xu Hao for guidance.
[Ding! Li Yunshu was extremely shocked, emotional value +567…]
Xu Hao smiled reassuringly.
“It’s up to you. If you don’t want to forgive her, you can hit her.” He said casually.
But kind-hearted Li Yunshu could never strike anyone.
“Leave. Let’s pretend this never happened, but don’t do it again.” She said softly.
Xu Fangfei glanced at Xu Hao for confirmation. He frowned.
“Why are you still here? Yunshu has shown you mercy. Leave.”
Relieved, Xu Fangfei quickly left, not sparing a glance at the still-stunned Chen Dong lying on the ground. Chen Dong eventually recovered and scrambled to follow her. Soon, only Xu Hao and Li Yunshu remained.
Li Yunshu was still in shock but managed to express her gratitude.
“Thank you, Mr. Xu. If you hadn’t been here, I don’t know what would have happened…”
“There’s no need to thank me. You’re my employee. It’s my duty to protect you,” Xu Hao replied warmly.
Her heart raced at his words.
“By the way, Yunshu, let’s exchange contact information,” Xu Hao suggested, taking out his phone. “If anything like this happens again, you can call me.”
“Okay… okay,” Li Yunshu said, hurriedly taking out her phone. After exchanging numbers, she could hardly contain her excitement. The CEO of the Xu Group now had her contact information, and he’d asked for it to protect her.
“Mr. Xu, you’re so kind.” She whispered, tears welling up.
Xu Hao smiled and gently patted her head.
“Don’t call me Mr. Xu all the time. You’re about the same age as my daughter. Just call me Uncle.”
“Ah? I couldn’t possibly…” she protested, shaking her head.
Xu Hao’s face turned serious.
“In public, you can still call me Mr. Xu. But in private, it’s Uncle. Qingge calls me that too.”
“Qingge?” Li Yunshu was surprised.
“Yes. She works at the company too and is now the manager of the finance department. Her full name is Xia Qingge.”
“Xia Qingge calls you Uncle too?” Li Yunshu asked, her eyes wide. She respected Xia Qingge deeply and trusted her guidance since joining the company. With this new connection, she felt even closer to Xu Hao.
“Yes, you should get along well. You’re both around the same age and have a lot in common.” Xu Hao said, silently amused. It would be even more interesting if the two became best friends.
…
At noon.
Xu Fangfei stood at a busy intersection, looking around as if waiting for someone. Next to her was Chen Dong, his face swollen from the slap.
“Fangfei, what would you like for lunch? I can treat you to McDonald’s.” He offered, trying to please her.
“I’m eating with my daddy later.” Xu Fangfei replied impatiently.
“Can I come along? I won’t get in the way.” Chen Dong asked, embarrassed.
“Enough! I told you it’s none of your business. Just go.” She snapped, clearly annoyed.
Chen Dong’s face fell.
“But… I like you.”
“How many times do I have to say it? It’s never going to happen.” She replied coldly.
“Please, just give me a chance.” He pleaded.
“No,” she said firmly, crushing any hope he had left. She then spotted a luxury car across the street and ran towards it. Chen Dong took a few hesitant steps before stopping. Through the window, he saw Xu Fangfei warmly greet the man inside. His heart shattered as he realized “daddy” wasn’t a literal father but a term of endearment. She was someone else’s, never his. The realization sent him spiraling back into despair.
…
In the car, Xu Fangfei finally relaxed.
“Daddy… how did I do this morning?”
The whole confrontation with Li Yunshu had been a setup to create an opportunity for Xu Hao. He stroked her ponytail and smiled.
“You did great. Let’s go eat. It’s my treat.”
“Then… KFC?” she suggested playfully.
“KFC? Will that be enough for you?” Xu Hao asked, amused.
“If not, I’ll eat more.” She teased.
Xu Hao couldn’t help but admire her cunning. She was a talented accomplice, excellent at playing her part and quick to adapt. He was confident she’d be a valuable asset.
…
As evening fell, the setting sun bathed the bustling streets in a warm, golden light. People came and went, each immersed in their own world.