Chapter 62: Don’t Make This Too Hard for Me

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Next weekend’s dinner party?

Lin Xi’s expression went blank for a moment.

Her face was complicated; Qin Yu assumed she found it troublesome and simply didn't want to accompany him.

“It’s just for appearances,” he emphasized again, “It won’t take up much of your time.”

These gatherings were purely business socials, with no outsiders present. Usually, when Qin Yu attended such events, he didn't bring a companion—only his assistant accompanied him.

Unfortunately, his words failed to reassure her. Lin Xi’s expression didn’t improve.

After a long moment of hesitation, she stammered, “I don’t think I can make it.”

“Working overtime again?” Qin Yu couldn’t help but ask; Lin Xi always used overtime as an excuse to brush him off.

Lin Xi clicked her tongue, “If only it were overtime.”

At least then, she wouldn’t feel so conflicted.

“Hm?” Qin Yu’s brows furrowed; this time, he truly didn’t understand her meaning.

“It’s unfortunate, but I already have plans that day.”

Lin Xi’s social circle in the capital was straightforward; there wasn't anyone she knew whom Qin Yu didn’t know as well.

So, almost instantly, Qin Yu guessed who it was.

“Bai Xu?” It sounded like a question, but his gaze was utterly certain.

Lin Xi feigned surprise, “So easy to guess?”

A simple process of elimination, and the answer was obvious.

“I agreed to him earlier this afternoon. Third Brother, you’re just a little late.”

“Next time, then.” Lin Xi gave him plenty of face, no longer as sharp as before, teasing him gently, “Didn’t I tell you before? My schedule is always packed. Next time, let me know ahead of time—I'll be sure to save time for you.”

“But this time, it’s first come, first served. Both of you are brothers, don’t make things too difficult for me.”

Compared to attending such events with Qin Yu, Lin Xi was clearly more at ease with Bai Xu.

After all, when Qin Yu appeared, he was always the center of attention; she had no desire to be in the spotlight.

Cheng Si and Bai Xu returned after quite some time, not only bringing her pea cakes but also a selection of her favorite snacks arranged in a pastry box.

At this hour, Lin Xi usually didn’t eat; though she never worried about her figure or gaining weight, she rarely even drank water so late.

On the way home, she held the box, unable to resist temptation, quietly pinched a piece and popped it into her mouth.

Today should have been a heavy day, but with the delicate sweetness of the pea cake melting on her tongue, she felt... maybe it wasn’t so sad after all.

——

Autumn arrived in the capital as if in an instant, with no transition at all. In the morning, it was still summer; by afternoon, the wind howled and rain fell. The temperature changed so quickly that despite Lin Xi wearing a jacket every day, she still caught a cold.

After she sneezed three times in five minutes, Engineer Chen looked up from behind his monitor, worried. “Engineer Lin, you seem to be pretty sick. Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?”

“There’s nothing urgent today. Why not go get checked? I’ll keep an eye on things here.”

Lin Xi wiped her nose with a tissue; her voice was thick with congestion. “I took medicine this morning. It’s just a mild cold, nothing serious.”

“The temperature’s dropping fast lately. You should take care of yourself.”

“Mhm.” Lin Xi was naturally frail; she couldn’t handle the change of seasons, but it never got too bad—just uncomfortable for a couple of days.

During lunch break, Lin Xi slept deeply thanks to her cold.

Her assistant knocked on the door for a long time, but got no response.

After waiting outside, he cautiously pushed the door open. Seeing Lin Xi still asleep, he quietly placed the meeting notes on her desk. Then, he noticed her computer was still on.

On the screen was the latest test data, which only Lin Xi and Engineer Chen had seen.

He stepped forward, trying to read the words more clearly.

The next second, the screen went black.

He turned, meeting Lin Xi’s cool, clear gaze.

“Uh… Engineer Lin.”

He nervously stepped back, explaining, “I didn’t see anything, I was just curious.”

“And before I came in, I knocked for ages. You were asleep and didn’t hear.”

He hurriedly offered his explanation.

He’d been under Lin Xi’s scrutiny lately; she was a stickler for detail, and working under her meant his nerves were constantly taut—life was tough.

Lin Xi frowned, her gaze shifting away as she picked up the meeting notes and flipped through them absentmindedly.

The assistant didn’t dare breathe, standing by to await her verdict.

“Go on.”

“Huh?” The assistant froze.

He’d already prepared himself for a scolding, but… this was it?

Lin Xi: “Is there something else?”

“No, no!” The assistant pointed at the door, “Then I’ll—I’ll be going.”

Lin Xi didn’t reply, lying back down to rest.

The assistant looked back thrice with every step, even after stepping out, unable to believe his luck.

Could it be that she was too sick to waste her energy?

Normally, Lin Xi would lecture him at least a couple of times.

Today really was a stroke of luck…

As it turned out, the assistant was right.

Because of her cold, Lin Xi had been lethargic all day, taking every chance to nap at her desk. Even when she spoke, she sounded weak, her face tinged with illness. Whenever problems arose, she handled them lightly, turning big issues into small ones and small ones into nothing.

“Engineer Lin, are you working overtime tonight?” Engineer Chen packed his bag, ready to leave, but saw Lin Xi still sitting at her desk, showing no sign of leaving.

Lin Xi glanced at the clock in the lower right corner of her computer, suddenly waking from her daze. “No overtime, I’m heading home too.”

“That’s good. I thought you’d work even while sick.”

Lin Xi stretched lazily. “I wouldn’t go that far. Unless Cheng Si pays me overtime.”

Engineer Chen laughed and headed downstairs with her.

“Engineer Lin, remember to take your medicine on time. See you tomorrow.” He waved.

Lin Xi smiled and nodded, “See you tomorrow.”

Stepping out the front door, the wind hit her head-on, jolting her awake. This wasn’t autumn in the capital—it was as if winter wanted to arrive in a single step.

Pulling her jacket tighter, Lin Xi lowered her head and walked out. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to curl up in bed at home.

“Lin Xi!” Hearing her name, Lin Xi turned toward the voice, a beat slow.

Lu Bei jogged over, his expression a bit uneasy.

“It’s you.” Lin Xi sighed. “Did you need something?”

Since she’d added him to her blacklist, they hadn’t been in touch for a while.

Lin Xi had almost forgotten about him, and now here he was again.

“My mother’s birthday is coming up, and since my mom’s out of town, she asked me to deliver her gift. But I can’t get into the compound, so passing by your office today, I thought I’d give it to you.”

Lu Bei handed over the paper bag. “Please help deliver it.”

(End of chapter)