Chapter 170: Accompanying Su Ziyu Home

"I can tell from your eyes that you are blaming me!"

Su Ziyu stared straight at Xia Yu.

He was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "What makes you say that?"

"You must think that I listened to Gu Ying and decided to stay away from you," Su Ziyu said with a bitter smile. "So you're disappointed, thinking I'm a shallow person."

She picked up her glass, took a sip, and said, "It's true, I'm a bit shallow. Influenced by Xiao Ying, I had some misunderstandings about you."

"I originally thought you were a wonderful person, but after hearing some things about you, my perception became distorted."

"Then I'd love to know what that tomboy said about me," Xia Yu said with amused interest.

"What tomboy? Gu Ying is my friend. She's clearly a very pretty girl," Su Ziyu said, casting him a displeased sideways glance. "She said you're shameless."

"You lack masculine grace and live off women. After being dumped, you even went and made a scene at your ex-wife's wedding."

"A man like that is truly detestable, so..."

"So you figured I was a brazen scoundrel and didn't want to get close to me anymore?" Xia Yu said with a half-smile.

"That's right, I actually thought that way," Su Ziyu admitted generously, nodding. "So I'm apologizing to you, because I know you're not that kind of person, and I shouldn't have judged you based on those rumors."

"That isn't the real you."

"And what makes you say that?" Xia Yu teased.

"Because people should believe what they see with their own eyes, not what they hear," Su Ziyu replied. "It was my fault for being shallow. We haven't known each other long."

"Yet I can tell that you're a responsible and caring man. You're also very kind, not the kind of person Xiao Ying described."

"Thank you for your trust." Xia Yu finished the wine in his glass and smiled faintly.

"Then are you still blaming me?"

"Am I really that petty?" Xia Yu raised his glass. "To you, Dr. Su."

She couldn't help but smile brightly and drank with him.

"Why are you out here drinking your sorrows away all by yourself? Did something happen?" Xia Yu suddenly asked.

She paused, gave a slight shake of her head, and said, "N... nothing is wrong."

"What, don't you consider me a friend?" Xia Yu asked.

She opened her mouth to speak, hesitated, took another drink, and sighed softly, "My mother's health is poor. She's in the hospital."

"Do you know why I wanted to become a doctor? Because ever since I was a child, my mother's health was weak. She suffers from diabetes."

"That's why I applied to medical school without a moment's hesitation, determined to become an excellent doctor and cure my mother."

"Unfortunately, once you actually become a doctor, you realize there are some things entirely beyond our control."

Xia Yu nodded and said, "In that case, you should spend more time with your mother."

"How I wish I could, but..."

"But what?"

"I can't go back, otherwise..." She paused, her eyes turning red. "If I go back, I might be forced to get married."

"Get married?" Xia Yu frowned.

"That's right, marry someone I don't want to marry," she said bitterly. "Do you know why I left my parents and ran all the way to Shenzhen?"

"Because my family has constantly tried to force me into marrying someone I don't like, someone I even detest."

"I've always been afraid to go back because I worry I'll never be able to escape again."

Xia Yu nodded. "So that's why you ran out to drink alone tonight. I can understand the agonizing feeling you're going through right now."

"As a child, being unable to stay by your mother's side to show your filial piety while living alone in a lonely city..."

"Having a home you can't return to is truly painful."

"Yes, thank you for understanding," she smiled. "I thought no one could possibly comprehend this feeling."

"Because I was once just like you, far away from home, unable to see my loved ones," Xia Yu comforted. "Though my situation back then was much more miserable than yours."

"Really? How miserable?"

"You've seen my scars—they were left from that period. Those truly were days devoid of light," Xia Yu recalled. "However, I've always held firmly to one belief."

"There is no eternal darkness, only a dawn that hasn't arrived yet."

"So, you have to believe that there will eventually be a day when the clouds part and the scenery clears."

"Heh, I never would have thought a driver would be so good at comforting people," Su Ziyu covered her mouth and laughed again.

Xia Yu chuckled along with her and asked, "Do you want to go back?"

"Of course, it's just..."

"Then let's go back. I guarantee you won't have to marry the person you don't want to. I'll go back with you."

Su Ziyu paused slightly. "You... are you serious?"

"Of course. We're friends, and when you're in trouble, isn't it only natural for me to help?" Xia Yu said. "Just let me pose as your boyfriend and go back to accompany your mother."

"That way, they won't pressure you anymore, right?"

Su Ziyu couldn't help feeling tempted. Having been away from home for so long, she truly missed her family.

And Xia Yu's idea wasn't a bad solution at all.

But upon second thought, she shook her head repeatedly and said, "No, that would ruin you."

"Rest assured, pulling off a heroic deed for a friend doesn't count as ruining anyone," Xia Yu said with confidence. "Besides, you've seen my scars; I have the ability to protect myself. Who could possibly hurt me?"

Su Ziyu's resolve wavered once more. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "Fine! As long as you aren't afraid, we'll make the trip back. The worst-case scenario is we just sneak away again."

"I can't let you make the trip for nothing, either. How about I pay you a hundred thousand yuan as compensation?"

"Uh, alright, it's a deal."

Xia Yu smiled and didn't refuse. One hundred thousand yuan meant nothing to him, but it would give her greater peace of mind.

"So, when do you want to head back?"

"Tomorrow. My mother's condition is quite critical, and I want to return as soon as possible. Is that convenient for you?" she asked.

"Yeah, no problem," Xia Yu answered cheerfully. "Come on, I'll take you upstairs for a proper drink so you can rest up and gather your energy for tomorrow."

With that, the two went to an upstairs private room and drank heartily with He Wei.

The decision to return tomorrow left Su Ziyu feeling both uneasy and filled with anticipation.

Waking up the next day, Xia Yu called Xiao Jun, Li Shen, Liu Feihong, and Lin Yuqing over.

He simply told them he was going on a long trip for some business and gave them a few instructions.

After packing his luggage, he drove his sports car to pick up Su Ziyu.

Outside the residential complex, Su Ziyu stood by the roadside holding a handbag. A pair of form-fitting skinny jeans perfectly outlined her curves, making her look enchanting and charming.

Xia Yu parked beside her and smiled, "All ready? Hop in and let's hit the road."

She smiled, her eyes gleaming with interest. "We're really taking your boss's car? Can I drive? It's been a long time since I got behind the wheel."

"Sure, no problem."

Generously, Xia Yu got out of the car and switched seats with her.

Su Ziyu happily got in, fastened her seatbelt, and only then noticed that Xia Yu was wearing a black suit.

She suddenly realized that formal wear suited him exceptionally well, giving her a striking, domineering-CEO-like visual impact. He also carried an effortless, free-spirited aura that made him look slightly bewitching.

For the first time, Su Ziyu thought that this guy was actually quite handsome...