Chapter 16: A Reunion

On the other side, Su Qingcheng, accompanied by her parents, arrived at the hotel entrance by car. As soon as they stepped out, they were surrounded by the Su family's security staff, who had been waiting there to ensure their safety. Protected by the vigilant guards, the three entered the banquet hall on the second floor via a private elevator.

No sooner had they entered than they were encircled by a crowd of business executives who had been waiting for them. Everyone knew that Su Dashan was now semi-retired, holding the title of Chairman of the Su Group in name only, while the actual affairs were managed solely by Su Qingcheng, who had ascended to the CEO position three years prior. In these three years, she had repeatedly proven her business acumen and standing through a series of successful investments.

“President Su is truly talented and accomplished—and so beautiful, too,” someone immediately flattered her, and the others quickly followed suit, showering her with praise. The attention greatly satisfied Su Qingcheng’s vanity, but she maintained an air of calm humility, shaking hands with each executive in turn. After a round of mutual compliments, the crowd gradually dispersed. At this moment, Su Qingcheng’s parents, Su Sen and Li Lan, basked in the admiration of those around them, their faces glowing with pride and delight.

“Qingcheng, you’re here. Well done,” Su Dashan said, looking at his granddaughter with satisfaction.

“Father (Grandfather),” the three greeted him respectfully, not daring to be inattentive.

“You’ve handled yourself well today—just look at this scene. Even those old rivals of mine, who've spent their lives competing against me, have come to discuss cooperation," Su Dashan said, recalling how those old men had addressed him as Brother Su with reluctance. It filled him with immense satisfaction.

“Grandfather, it’s thanks to your guidance,” Su Qingcheng replied humbly, subtly flattering the old man.

“Hahaha! Come, an old friend is waiting for you today. You two, come along as well,” Su Dashan said cheerfully, his mood even brighter after the compliment, taking Su Qingcheng’s hand.

“An old friend?” Su Qingcheng was taken aback; she didn’t recall having any old friends in the business circles of Shanghai.

“Yes, he's been waiting for you quite a while,” Su Dashan said with a mischievous smile.

Thus, Su Qingcheng followed her grandfather, heading toward the lounge beside the banquet hall, with her parents trailing behind.

When the door opened, a familiar figure appeared, even if only as a silhouette.

“Liuchuan Feng,” Su Qingcheng exclaimed in disbelief, “Aren’t you abroad?”

“Qingcheng, it’s been a long time,” Liuchuan Feng turned around, smiling.

“You actually remember to come back?” Su Qingcheng, ever the CEO, recovered her composure in three seconds, her tone icy. Her wide, watery eyes fixed on him, filled with a complex mix of joy, affection, and resentment.

“I’m sorry I was late,” Liuchuan Feng replied, his expression falling, guilt written across his face.

“Do you think it matters now?” Su Qingcheng bit her lip, retorting.

“Come, let’s not talk out here—too many eyes. Let’s go inside,” Su Dashan interjected, sensing the tension. He ushered Su Qingcheng into the private room, soon joined by Su Sen and Li Lan.

“Grandfather, Uncle, Aunt, hello,” Liuchuan Feng greeted them warmly.

“Liuchuan, it’s been three years—what brings you back so suddenly?” Su Sen asked with a smile, thinking of the man who had almost become his son-in-law.

“The overseas company is running smoothly now and beginning to send profits back home, so I returned,” Liuchuan Feng explained, stealing glances at Su Qingcheng, his eyes full of longing and regret.

“You two chat. It’s stuffy in here—let’s step out and greet the guests,” Su Dashan said, understanding Su Qingcheng’s agitation. He found an excuse to leave, taking Su Sen and Li Lan with him, leaving the space to the pair.

“Qingcheng, have you been well these three years?” Liuchuan Feng asked, admiring Su Qingcheng’s figure and beauty in her elegant dress. The high slit occasionally revealed her long, fair legs, drawing his gaze.

“Thanks to you, I've been very well,” Su Qingcheng, sensitive to his intense gaze, felt her heart—silent for three years—begin to stir. She was pleased: He still cares for me. But outwardly, her face remained cold.

“I know it was wrong to leave without a word three years ago, to go abroad without telling you. But I had my reasons—if I hadn’t, I couldn't have secured my grandfather’s heirship. How else could I have married you?” Liuchuan Feng explained, sitting beside her and attempting to place his arm around her as he had during their courtship.

“Is there any point in saying this now? I’m married. We can’t be together—you know that, right?” Su Qingcheng’s voice was cold and distant as she leaned away, avoiding his hand. Beneath her calm tone, there was a hint of anger and reproach.

“So what? You can get divorced. We can be together again, can’t we?” Liuchuan Feng said, unfazed by her rejection.

“Get back together? Do you think that’s possible? Would your grandfather, your parents, your family allow you to marry a divorced woman? One who’s already lost her innocence?” Su Qingcheng’s eyes reddened as she spoke.

Three years ago, if he hadn't suddenly gone abroad, she wouldn’t have been chosen by Su Dashan, wouldn’t have been offered ten percent of Su Group’s shares and the CEO position in exchange for marrying Mo Ran. Who could understand the turmoil and pain she experienced when her grandfather proposed that deal?

“I don’t mind. If you’re willing to marry me, I’ll marry you. Whether you’re pure or not doesn’t matter. I want you, and if you have a child, I want you and the child,” Liuchuan Feng declared, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about the Liuchuan family—with your current status, and mine, who would oppose such a powerful alliance?”

Su Qingcheng fell silent, surprised by his words, which stirred a powerful impulse within her. Yet a surge of moral conscience—against adultery—quickly clashed with her emotions, and the two forces battled fiercely inside her.

After a long moment, Su Qingcheng exhaled softly, looking at her first love, her lips trembling as she whispered, “I’m still untouched.” The implication needed no further explanation.

“I told you, I don’t mind. Because this was all my fault to begin with,” Liuchuan Feng replied. The joy dancing in his brows was impossible to conceal.