Atlas Studios

  Atlas Studios

  Lu Mei got along well with Liang Mulan, and Lin Nuan was certain Liang Mulan knew about Lu Mei’s background. Yet Liang Mulan would rather forsake her pride to have a meal with the uncle of the Director of the Audit Office than to beg Lu Mei for help. The reason was clear to Lin Nuan—Liang Mulan didn’t want to sacrifice Lin Nuan in exchange.

  If she was honest with herself, Lin Nuan would never take on Lu Mei’s suggestion unless it was the last resort.

  In fact, Lu Mei coming to look for Lin Nuan was reminiscent of the time when Gu Hanyan came to talk to her. A different approach, but with similar intended outcomes.

  Although Lin Nuan had previously chosen to go with what Gu Hanyan suggested, she was hesitant to agree again even though circumstances dictated otherwise.

  In her haste, Lin Nuan stepped into a puddle. The cold water seeped into the soles of her shoes, and she stood rooted to the ground. It was as though the icy cold had awakened her senses.

  Whether she agreed to it or not, the key was Fu Huai’an.

  At that point in time, when she agreed to do as Gu Hanyan said, she was simply looking for an excuse—closure for her endless pining for four years.

  But all Lin Nuan could think of at that moment was Fu Huai’an, he had won over her heart and was at arm’s reach.

  Lin Nuan could no longer plunge into a decision without hesitation, as she had done before.

  If she had a choice, Lin Nuan would definitely prefer to owe Fu Huai’an a favor instead.

  The rain pelted relentlessly on her umbrella, and Lin Nuan stood under it, clutching her phone. She could hear the thumping sound of her heartbeat.

  Lin Nuan stared at the screen of her phone, opened her contacts and scrolled to Fu Huai’an’s name. Her finger lingered on his name, but she hesitated to make the call.

  Bai Xiaonian had said that if Lin Nuan cried in front of Fu Huai’an, he would surely relent and help her.

  Lin Nuan was in a dilemma. She wasn’t so shameless as to cry and beg for his help, but she had to give it a try somehow.

  Lin Nuan mustered up all her courage to make the call eventually. Even though they weren’t exactly strangers, she couldn’t ask for his help in a cool and calm manner, taking for granted that he would agree the moment she asked.

  The ringer continued buzzing on the other end of the line, and Lin Nuan started to panic. She was losing her courage and was just about to end the call when Fu Huai’an picked up and asked in his deep and rich voice, “Why aren’t you resting?”


  Lin Nuan took a deep breath, lowered her gaze, and uttered softly, “Uh…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it.

  “Mr. Fu, it’s time…”


  She could hear someone calling out to Fu Huai’an, and Lin Nuan decided she should end the call.

  It was probably an inappropriate time to call Fu Huai’an as he should be busy with work.

  “Meet me downstairs in ten minutes.”


  She heard Fu Huai’an say to someone on the other end of the line.

  Him being willing to put off his work to listen to her touched her.

  She had run through the scenario numerous times in her mind. Finally, Lin Nuan decided to cut to the chase and said, “There’s something I need your help with…”


  She tightened her grip on the handle of her umbrella and phone. Flustered, she lowered her eyes and stared at the puddle in front of her, worried that he might reject her.

  “Is it about your father?” Fu Huai’an asked calmly and seemed at ease, although Lin Nuan still had the jitters.

  “Yes, that’s it. Will you help?” Lin Nuan was nervous and afraid to hear his answer. Fearful of rejection, she quickly came up with some plausible excuses and said tensely, “If it will affect you and cause you any inconveniences…”


  “Lin Nuan!” Fu Huai’an interrupted her and said in a mellow tone that didn’t betray any emotions, “Don’t be so ceremonious towards me.”