Chapter 021: Liu Ping Apologizes

Chapter 021: Liu Ping’s Apology

The next morning, Chu Fei rose as punctually as ever. As he stood on the balcony brushing his teeth, he noticed the absence of the slender figure who usually hurried past on her way to work. He sighed softly, dressed neatly, and left his room. Passing the building where Chen Xiaoman lived, he paused for a moment, then quickened his pace and made his way to the office.

Chu Fei was still popular at work, though the excitement had diminished considerably since the previous day. Only three girls insisted on preparing him a loving breakfast, but they didn’t linger. After casting him a few affectionate glances, they turned and left, leaving Murong Wei, the girl at his side, pouting in annoyance.

This subtle gesture did not escape Chu Fei’s notice. He smiled and asked, “Weiwei, did you bring plum juice today?”

“Huh? Did you drink again last night?” Murong Wei was startled and replied awkwardly, “I didn’t know you’d been drinking, so I didn’t buy any. Do you want me to go and get some now?” She started to rise.

“No need, I’m fine…” Chu Fei pulled her back gently. He merely wanted to attract the girl’s attention, not actually drink plum juice—he certainly wasn’t pregnant.

“Oh, what are you doing? Let go…” Murong Wei bit her lip and protested, her face turning bright red, as Chu Fei happened to catch her delicate, soft hand.

Chu Fei hadn’t meant anything by it, but Murong Wei’s reaction made him, almost involuntarily, give her hand a gentle squeeze. He marveled at how soft her hand was; holding it felt unexpectedly pleasant.

Murong Wei hadn’t expected Chu Fei to take such liberties so openly. She stood there, momentarily dazed, forgetting to pull her hand back.

What am I doing? Chu Fei cursed himself inwardly for his shamelessness. He was just about to release her soft jade-like hand when a chill prickled his back. He turned instinctively and saw Ximen Lu passing by the door. She glanced at him, a meaningful smile on her lips, but Chu Fei felt only a coldness in that look.

Damn, what does it matter to you if I’m flirting? Chu Fei was exasperated; Ximen Lu’s gaze had made his heart skip a beat, leaving him feeling oddly guilty.

By this time, Murong Wei had taken the opportunity to withdraw her hand. She glared at Chu Fei and huffed, “Hmph, Chu Fei, I’m not talking to you anymore.” She turned away to look at her files, but her soft protest lacked any real threat. Instead, it sounded more like playful banter between lovers.

Chu Fei could only smile wryly; he swore he hadn’t done it intentionally, nor did he have any designs on Murong Wei. Things had simply gotten out of hand.

Afterward, Chu Fei, wary of being misunderstood, didn’t dare tease Murong Wei further. She, for her part, seemed genuinely angry and ignored him. Time passed slowly. As a temporary probationer, Chu Fei had even less responsibility than Murong Wei. He mainly read documents and studied cases to gain experience for the future.

After reading for a while, Chu Fei couldn’t help but yawn. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

Murong Wei noticed and looked at him with an expression of exasperated disappointment. She glared at him for a long moment, biting her lip, before returning to her work. She didn’t wake him.

—

Chu Fei was awakened by a series of surprised exclamations in the office. Opening his eyes, he saw that everyone—including Murong Wei—was staring in the same direction.

Chu Fei looked over as well, his pupils contracting. Near the manager’s office stood four men, one of whom was none other than Shenghe’s young master, Liu Fengkai.

This bastard still hasn’t given up? Chu Fei’s gaze turned cold, but he quickly realized something was amiss. Though Liu Fengkai stood there, he was not the center of attention. The focus was a middle-aged man exuding an air of gravity.

The man’s features were unremarkable, yet he possessed a distinctive, imposing presence. Simply by standing there, he became the room’s focal point—a natural aura of authority that had nothing to do with age or appearance.

The overlord of Shenghe: Liu Ping.

Chu Fei had never seen Liu Ping before, but he instantly guessed the man’s identity. Only in the company of his father would the usually arrogant Liu Fengkai appear so subdued.

Yet what truly caught Chu Fei’s attention was not this renowned figure, but the two men behind him. One was A-Wei, whose arm Chu Fei had crippled with a single punch the day before. The limb still hung unnaturally; unless Chu Fei himself intervened, it would be diff