Chapter 11: More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers!

When Song Yuqing returned home, the clock was already striking 11 p.m.

Usually, her life followed a highly regimented schedule. She primarily focused on her work and would return home soon after her day was over, rarely staying out past 10 p.m. Even after arriving home, she would continue to tackle issues related to her job.

Being an ambitious woman, she had little interest in recreational activities.

However, in the last couple of days, she had been unexpectedly accompanying Lin Beifan on various outings.

Rather than finding it tiring, she was thoroughly enjoying herself.

The relationship between the two had heated up considerably. They were more than just friends, yet not quite lovers—a feeling akin to being on the cusp of romance.

"Could this be what falling in love is like?" Song Yuqing mused, her cheeks flushed, feeling increasingly unlike her usual self.

Upon entering her home, she picked up her phone and noticed several unread messages on WeChat.

Liu Rumei: Yuqing, I'm planning to come back to China to see you. Aren't you excited?

Liu Rumei: That's strange. Why haven't you replied yet?

Liu Rumei: Are you busy with work again?

Liu Rumei: How busy can one hospital be?

Liu Rumei: Are you there?

...

Liu Rumei was one of her closest friends. They had known each other since elementary school and continued to attend the same schools all the way through college. Their friendship had lasted over a decade, cementing their status as what one would colloquially call "besties."

The two shared everything and had conversations virtually every day.

Song Yuqing responded immediately.

Song Yuqing: I'm here!

Liu Rumei quickly replied.

Liu Rumei: I almost thought you'd gone missing again! What have you been up to these last few days? Why are you replying so late?

Song Yuqing: I've been spending the evenings with a friend lately!

Liu Rumei: A friend? Other than me, who else do you even consider a friend? And one that you specifically spend evenings with, no less...

Liu Rumei: Confess! Could it be that you've been seeing a romantic interest? How dare you, Song Yuqing, go off to find a man behind my back. Do you even still consider me your friend? (SadMushroom.jpg)

Ah, the keen intuition of a best friend, spotting the telltale signs of a burgeoning relationship.

Song Yuqing: What are you talking about? If you keep making baseless assumptions, I'll stop responding! (Angry.jpg)

Liu Rumei: Fine, just tell me who this guy is, and I promise not to feel hurt.

Song Yuqing: ...

Liu Rumei: Look, I'm just worried about you. You're a grown woman who's never been in love. You're inexperienced! What if you get fooled by some scumbag?

Song Yuqing: As if you have any experience in relationships yourself!

Liu Rumei: ...

Liu Rumei: While I may not have dated anyone, I've read hundreds of romance novels. My experience is vast; I've been through the wringer! My eyes are basically a scumbag-detection machine, capable of assessing a man's worth!

Liu Rumei: Come on, bestie, spill it! I'm dying to know!

Song Yuqing: Alright, I'll tell you. His name is Lin Beifan, and he's 20 years old. We've only known each other for a couple of days, so we're just friends right now. We haven't started dating yet!

Liu Rumei: Lin Beifan? Don't tell me your romantic interest is that notorious playboy heir of the Lin Corporation who's famous for partying and womanizing?

Song Yuqing: That's him! But he's not as irresponsible as people make him out to be...

Liu Rumei: Song Yuqing, have you lost your mind? How could you even think of dating such a playboy? He's a complete scoundrel! The list of his previous girlfriends could circle the globe!

Song Yuqing: He's not as terrible as the rumors suggest! Sure, he may have a wandering eye, but he's actually a responsible, caring, and gentle man. I feel truly happy when I'm with him. I think he might just be the Prince Charming I've been waiting for!

Liu Rumei: Song Yuqing, you've really been bitten by the love bug!

Liu Rumei: His gentleness and caring attitude toward you are probably all just acts! He behaves the same way with every woman he meets at the club. Once he gets what he wants, you'll see his true colors!

Liu Rumei: Women must protect themselves!

Liu Rumei: I urge you to cut ties with him immediately, or you'll find yourself in a sticky mess!

In spite of her best friend's advice, Song Yuqing remained steadfast in her conviction. She trusted her own judgment when it came to matters of the heart.

Song Yuqing: Enough, I don't want to discuss this any further. When it comes to my relationships, the final decision is mine to make! It's getting late, good night.

In a luxurious apartment situated in a leading nation of the Northern Hemisphere, a strikingly beautiful woman lay on her bed, visibly frustrated.

"My friend is so blinded by love that she refuses to listen to reason," she fumed. "What's so great about that scumbag? A man who frequents nightclubs and indulges in hedonism can't be a good catch! This is infuriating; it's even putting a strain on our friendship! I have to go back and expose him for what he really is!"

With resolve, she quickly began to pack her bags, preparing for her trip back to her home country. As she did, her eyes caught sight of a dust-covered invitation. She paused, her eyes gleaming with new possibilities.

Two days passed in a blink.

During these two days, Lin Beifan visited the protagonist, Xiao Chen, almost daily. Each time he found Xiao Chen resting in bed, it filled him with joy.

Later, Lin Beifan would pick up Song Yuqing from Song's Hospital and the two would go out for dinner. They often followed that with a leisurely stroll through the streets or took part in various other activities.

Their enjoyment seemed inexhaustible, and their relationship continued to deepen. It felt as though only a thin veil separated them; a veil that could easily be torn away.

However, on that particular day, Lin Beifan's butler appeared unexpectedly, accompanied by a stranger.

"Young Master, your grandfather believes it's time for you to involve yourself in the family's business matters," said the butler. "This is your new secretary. She holds a Master's degree in Management from Harvard University and has two years of experience working at a prestigious investment bank on Wall Street. She's exceptionally capable; feel free to consult her on anything you don't understand."