Fyren thought to himself, Oh great, can I ask what you're thinking?
"There's nothing to think about. You, Fyren, haven't made a single losing deal since taking over Dasheng Group. Whatever you invest in, I'll invest in too."
Fyren broke out in a cold sweat.
[This completely defeats the purpose! We've come full circle!
I'm definitely going to lose money on the shantytown project. What do you want from me? I can afford to lose everything, but the Leng family can't take any more losses.
Besides, Otto and your father are waiting for my good news! If you insist on investing in this money-losing project, they'll skin me alive!]
Eliza laughed at Fyren's dumbfounded expression.
"Look at your stupid face. Are you really that scared of my dad and Otto?"
Fyren said seriously, "I mean it—you really shouldn't touch the shantytown project."
Eliza studied Fyren closely. "Fyren, tell me the truth... do you still have feelings for me?"
Fyren felt dizzy.
Seeing Eliza's earnest expression, he quickly shook his head. "No, not anymore."
The light in Eliza's eyes dimmed instantly. "Since when did you stop liking me?"
"I can't say. But let's settle the marriage contract issue first. If you can make quick profits from this project and partner with Otto, Qingfeng Group will recover in no time. By then, the marriage alliance won't be necessary, and you'll be free to choose whoever you want—no need to settle for scum like me."
Eliza hesitated. "I suddenly..."
"Huh?"
Eliza tensed, her heart pounding violently.
Nervous sweat broke out as she watched Fyren frown at her, waiting intently for her next words.
"I..."
"What?"
Eliza's lips parted, then finally she mustered her courage. "I think... I might like you."
Fyren's eyes widened, his brain short-circuiting momentarily. "What... did you just say?"
"I said I like you."
Fyren stared at Eliza, mouth slightly agape, frozen in place.
Blushing, Eliza continued, "These past few days... I've felt uneasy without you around."
She shyly lowered her head and mumbled, "I know it sounds crazy, but it's like I can hear your heart and know what you're truly thinking. I believe... you're a good person."
Fyren remained completely still, as if petrified.
Eliza pursed her lips. "So... if you're willing, and don't hate me... starting today, I'll be your girlfriend. Next month's engagement..."
Her nervousness made her stumble over her words.
Her heart hammered wildly, the pounding so loud it seemed to echo through her entire body.
"...If the engagement seems too rushed, we can wait. We could... try dating first... get to know each other properly... then talk to our families..."
Fyren remained petrified, completely motionless and unresponsive.
"It's okay if you don't agree."
Seeing Fyren take no position, Eliza's heart was already in turmoil.
Rambling came instinctively to girls, and now she transitioned from excited nervousness to anxious misery.
"It's not like I have to be with you. But... actually... we could take things slowly. I don't want to pressure you too much. It's just... I have many flaws and need you to be more tolerant. But you'll also need to make some changes, because I... I'm planning to... give myself to you completely..."
By the time she finished speaking, Eliza was too embarrassed to raise her head.
Yet Fyren still showed little reaction.
Finally sensing something wrong, Eliza looked up. "Fyren? Are you okay? Could you... say something?"
She waved her hand before Fyren's eyes—no response.
"Fyren? Are you all right? Hello?"
Eliza pulled out her phone. "Hello, 120? I need to report a man who's... dead. He won't move or respond, like he can't hear anything. The cause? I just... confessed my feelings, said I like him, and he died. Brain-dead, completely unresponsive. You're the doctor—why ask me? Just send someone quickly! No, no undertaker needed—he's not dead dead..."
...
Fyren returned home slack-jawed, moving like a zombie.
Finished. Completely finished.
Leading lady! Golden heroine! The harem's number one!
Confessed to him!
What kind of plot twist is this?
This wasn't a confession—it was his death knell summoning the King of Hell!
As the villain, he'd won the heroine's heart!
The male lead would have to kill him now!
Whatever hack wrote this plot doomed him! No chance of survival!
What did I do wrong? What sin did I commit?
I've been fueling your hatred, trying to make you loathe and avoid me...
Is there a hole in this heroine's brain? You confess after all that?
Do you have any standards for choosing men?
Do you all feel incomplete unless you play me to death?
Fyren, now delirious, wandered into the living room.
His parents were chatting happily with Cora, who brightened upon seeing him.
"Fyren, look who's here," his mother said.
Cora stood quickly, blushing slightly. "Fyren."
"Yeah." Fyren replied absently, heading for the stairs.
"Hey!" His mother grabbed his arm. "Cora's been waiting half a day—at least talk to her."
Fyren said breathlessly, "Mom, you guys talk. I'm tired."
Fyren's mom glared. "What do you mean you're tired? Cora came specially to see you. Where are your manners?"
Fyren turned to look at Cora.
Cora, suddenly shy, forced a polite smile. "Fyren, I just... came to thank you properly."
Fyren nodded. "Alright, message received. You can go now."
Cora hadn't expected this.
I took the initiative to visit your home, just like in high school and college—being this proactive and enthusiastic despite potentially embarrassing myself in front of your family.
And you, Fyren, act so coldly, not taking me seriously at all.
Feeling humiliated, Cora awkwardly said, "Then, Uncle and Auntie, I'll be going now."
"Wait, don't go!" Fyren's mom grabbed his arm, exasperated. "She's been waiting half a day for you. What's your problem?"
Turning back, she said, "Cora dear, why don't you two go upstairs to talk privately? Young people should chat alone. Uncle Zhang and I have a card game to attend anyway, so we'll head out first."
Surprisingly spineless, Cora actually considered staying. "Is... that appropriate?"
"Perfectly appropriate! You haven't visited in years—we're just happy to see you. You two chat, we're leaving."
With the Zhang elders gone, Fyren turned toward the elevator. Cora hurried after him.
Standing in the elevator, Cora fidgeted nervously. "Fyren, about that day... thank you."
Fyren smiled bitterly. The lines meant for Otto were now being said to me.
"Shouldn't you be busy lately? Was it necessary to come all this way for such a small thing? A text would've sufficed."
Cora felt wronged.
As if I didn't know I could text! Why visit in person? Obviously because I wanted to see you!
Cora began, "About that year—"
Fyren cut her off. "Don't bring up the past. You were cruel enough back then, leaving my young heart shattered. Though it was my mistake first—I don't blame you. Anyway, forget the past. I've moved on and don't even remember it anymore."
Cora had a thousand things to say, but Fyren wouldn't let her speak, denying her every opportunity.
It was an outright verbal knockout.
Between men and women, such exchanges rarely exceed three sentences before intentions become clear.
Cora never expected Fyren's attitude to be so icy, leaving her both humiliated and heartbroken.
I swallowed my pride to visit you, hoping to reconnect and rekindle what we once had.
And this is how you treat me?
Fine. Consider me mistaken about you, Fyren.
"Then... I can see you're tired, Fyren. I'll head back first."
This was Cora's final attempt.
If Fyren tried to stop her, there might still be hope.
Cora looked up, searching Fyren's eyes.
But Fyren didn't even glance at her. "Fine, I'll have Zaring drive you."
Cora was thoroughly enraged.
Her voice turned icy. "No need. I'll walk."
Fyren paid no further attention as Cora took the elevator down alone.
Cora felt utterly humiliated.
How pathetic!
Why did I even come here?
Just because he saved me once, I thought we could reconnect? Return to how things were?
I remember all our childhood memories, but he's forgotten everything! Fine then!
Her eyes slightly reddened as she stormed toward the Zhang villa's parking area.
Just as she was about to enter her car, Fyren came barreling down the stairs like a man possessed, grabbing her jacket and shouting, "Zaring! Get the car ready!"
Zaring had just parked Cora's car and looked at his boss in confusion. "Fyren, what's wrong?"
Fyren snatched the car keys. "Whose car is this?"
Never having seen Fyren so frantic, Zaring pointed at Cora. "Ms. Cora's."
Fyren commanded, "Get in."
Still fuming, Cora demanded, "What are you doing?"
Fyren was already in the driver's seat starting the engine. "Get in now!"
Cora stood her ground, arms crossed. "This is my car, Fyren. What the hell?"
Zaring knew his place—as a competent assistant, when the boss gave orders, you followed them without question.
While Cora remained standing outside throwing a tantrum, Zaring had already buckled up.
Fyren roared, "Damn it! Get in the car! Now!"
Startled by Fyren's outburst, Cora flinched.
"No need to yell! I'm getting in..."
Before Cora could properly settle in, Fyren's car shot forward.
Zaring, ever efficient, had already radioed ahead: "Open the gates! Young Master Fyren's car is coming through!"
By the time they reached the entrance, the heavy iron gates stood wide open.
Pale with fear, Cora gasped, "Fyren, have you lost your mind?"