Melodies of Love and Loss

With only a few days left before the three-month deadline, Su Jian finally arranged to meet Zhou Lu at the teahouse.

"Have you gathered the money?" Zhou Lu glanced at her leisurely and asked.

Su Jian had grown much thinner than before, and her complexion didn't look very good. She took out a card and placed it on the table, speaking slowly, "There are ten million in this card."

Zhou Lu tugged at his lip with disdain, "Are you joking with me?"

Su Jian took a deep breath, "The ten million is all I could scrape together. Even if you kill me, I can't produce more money."

Zhou Lu paused for a moment before speaking expressionlessly, "I only care about the result. Since you can't come up with a hundred million, then use your uncle's company to settle the debt."

Su Jian's face changed dramatically, her hands clenched into fists, and she met his gaze with sharp eyes, "Zhou Lu, don't you think you are being too excessive? Even a rabbit will bite when it's anxious!"

The man's fingers, as graceful as scallions, rhythmically tapped on the table as he spoke slowly, "There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Sooner or later, you have to pay back what you owe. I am teaching Miss Su this lesson to prevent you from repeating your mistakes and corrupting social morals."

Su Jian struggled to contain her anger, as she had come to solve a problem today, not to make an enemy.

She took a deep breath and tried to smile, "Doctor Zhou, so much time has passed since the incident. It's said that enemies should resolve conflict rather than foster it. Besides, you and your girlfriend live a life as sweet as honey, why dwell on the past? Only by letting go of the wrong can one encounter the right. If it weren't for me, how could Doctor Zhou have met his destined one?"

Zhou Lu sneered without mirth, "Are you saying I should thank you?"

Su Jian forced a smile, "What I mean is, you don't need to waste your time and energy on someone as insignificant as me. Dedicating yourself to scientific research is the noble mission of an outstanding thoracic surgeon. Humanity is waiting for you to bring benefits."

Zhou Lu glanced at his watch with an indifferent face, "You're right, I really shouldn't waste time on you."

As he got up to leave, passing by Su Jian, she grabbed his arm.

With her head slightly bowed and the corners of her eyes reddening, Su Jian said, "I know you harbor great resentment towards me, but I hope you can direct it at me and not involve my family..."

Having lost her parents at a young age, she was taken in by her uncle and aunt who treated her as their own child. For her, they were the most important and cared-for people in this world.

Zhou Lu looked down at her from his high position, with disdain in his eyes, "Let go."

Su Jian raised her eyes, brimming with stubborn defiance and a hint of pity, which involuntarily evoked compassion.

The man's eyebrows twitched unintentionally. Suddenly he turned to face her, teasing with indirect suggestion, "Miss Su's mouth seems delicate and sweet, I wonder how it tastes."

Su Jian understood the insinuation, anger making her lips quiver slightly, but no matter what, she would never destroy someone's relationship…

Zhou Lu seemed to perceive her thoughts, his lips curling up lightly as he stated nonchalantly, "Think about it, what is more important to you? Your uncle's company or your morals?"

Su Jian immediately shifted her gaze away, fearing that one more look at him would make her unable to resist slapping him.

With a scoff, Zhou Lu leaned down to whisper by her ear, "Su Jian, you really are a hypocrite. I saw through what you are three years ago, so why keep up this pretense? Isn't it better for everyone to simply get what they need?"

Su Jian suddenly curved the corner of her lips, looking up at him with a seemingly smiling expression, "Doctor Zhou, you make it very easy for me to feel that you still have lingering feelings for me."