AD Chapter 50
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After standing up, Su Ning took a moment to compose himself and smiled politely at Shen Yao. “You flatter me, Mr. Shen. It’s just my job.” He gently shook the glass of juice in his hand and added apologetically, “Sorry, I have to drive for Mr. Gu later, so I can’t drink.”
Shen Yao smiled considerately. “No worries. Lingfeng always seems a bit stern—his employees at the company are all scared of him. I’m honestly surprised you've been his personal assistant for over four years.”
On the surface, Shen Yao was simply chatting casually with Su Ning, but every word subtly highlighted his closeness with Gu Lingfeng—implying that he was one of Gu Lingfeng’s people, while Su Ning was just an outsider.
Everyone present knew the real dynamics between the three. Watching Shen Yao approach Su Ning felt like the “legitimate partner” confronting the “mistress.” Many were now craning their necks, eager to see how the drama would play out. As for Gu Lingfeng, he had been frowning ever since Shen Yao went over to talk to Su Ning.
Shen Yao continued to chat with Su Ning for a bit longer and, in a show of friendliness, even invited him to join the group conversation. Su Ning smiled as he declined, prompting Shen Yao to show a slightly puzzled expression.
“Well, you've taken care of Lingfeng all these years. I just wanted to make a friend.”
Su Ning maintained his polite smile, though it now looked clearly forced and hollow—like a mask. “No need, really. I’m just a lowly assistant. How could I ever be worthy of befriending someone like Mr. Shen, who’s truly one of life’s elites? Just being allowed to sit here is already Mr. Gu’s generosity.”
Gu Lingfeng’s expression darkened at Su Ning’s words. Even Shen Yao was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting such a reply.
Su Ning didn’t care how others saw him, but he truly couldn’t stay in that room any longer. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to keep smiling, then looked past Shen Yao to Gu Lingfeng—whose face didn’t look too good either—and said:
“Mr. Gu, I’ll wait outside.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the private room. Inside, silence lingered for a moment until a friend of both Gu Lingfeng and Shen Yao raised an eyebrow and teased:
“Oh? That little assistant's got some attitude.”
Though said with a smile, the tone made it clear—Su Ning didn’t know his place. Shen Yao had lowered himself to initiate conversation, and yet Su Ning acted aloof. The others chimed in with subtle disapproval, some even feeling Shen Yao had humiliated himself by trying to befriend a mere assistant.
Shen Yao simply smiled and said, “He’s just doing his job. Nothing wrong with checking in on him.” Gu Lingfeng glanced toward the door before retracting his gaze, expression unreadable.
Soon, the private room regained its lively atmosphere—somehow even more harmonious without Su Ning.
Su Ning had no idea what happened after he left. The moment he stepped out, his face darkened, unable to maintain even the pretense of a smile.
He had thought he could act unaffected, that he could appear calm. But clearly, he’d overestimated himself—after seeing Shen Yao in person, he couldn’t keep his emotions in check.
From his pocket, he pulled out a worn wallet. Inside a hidden slot was a photo that had clearly aged. In the picture, a beautiful, gentle-looking woman sat in a chair with a little boy standing beside her. Behind them bloomed a wall of roses. The woman looked frail—sickly thin, her complexion pale—but her face bore not a trace of suffering. Instead, her smile was soft and full of warmth as she gazed lovingly at her child.
Su Ning stared down at the photo, eyes gradually growing misty, a trace of sadness surfacing in his gaze. He gently caressed the photo with his fingertips, his face filled with longing and sorrow for times that could never be retrieved.
“Mom, I met someone from the Shen family today,” he murmured under his breath, barely audible. “I remember what you said. I won’t get involved with them. Ever.”
He had no idea how long he stayed like that, completely wrapped in his own emotions. It wasn’t until Gu Lingfeng came and stood in front of him that Su Ning snapped out of it.
“Mr. Gu,” Su Ning quickly stood up in a fluster and glanced instinctively behind Gu Lingfeng. He didn’t see anyone else—especially not Shen Yao—which made him slightly confused.
Was the gathering over? Where was Shen Yao?
Gu Lingfeng looked at Su Ning’s slightly red-rimmed eyes, frowned subtly, but didn’t say anything. He turned and walked toward the exit. “Let’s go.”
Su Ning froze for a second, then quickly followed.
Outside the club’s entrance, Su Ning saw that everyone else was already by their cars. Shen Yao stood beside an open car door, looking back at the building. When he spotted Gu Lingfeng and Su Ning emerging, he smiled and said casually:
“Looks like Lingfeng really cares about this assistant of his. Didn't see him around when we were leaving, and had to personally go look.”
Su Ning’s heart skipped a beat. He quietly glanced at Gu Lingfeng, who remained expressionless. The man simply exchanged a few words with Shen Yao, reminded him to drive safe, and said goodbye.
On the drive back, Su Ning was behind the wheel. Gu Lingfeng, likely uncomfortable from drinking, undid the top button of his shirt and tugged at his collar. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes to rest. Su Ning couldn’t help stealing glances at him in the rearview mirror, quietly wondering how much he’d drunk—must’ve been a lot, just to bring his white moonlight into the circle tonight.
“Eyes on the road,” Gu Lingfeng suddenly said with his eyes still closed.
Su Ning jumped and quickly looked away, refocusing on driving.
It was the weekend, and Gu Lingfeng didn’t have any other plans. Since he’d also been drinking, Su Ning assumed they’d just go home. But after driving a short distance, Gu Lingfeng suddenly spoke again.
“Go to North Fifth Road.”
He was referring to the Gu family’s tailor shop.
Su Ning was stunned. “Huh?”
Gu Lingfeng opened his eyes, still leaning back casually. Because of the alcohol and his relaxed state, the usually cold man now exuded a certain seductive aura—dangerously attractive, practically radiating pheromones.
Su Ning glanced at him quickly, then immediately looked away, afraid to stare.
“To pick up the suit you had made last time,” Gu Lingfeng said, then closed his eyes again.
It took Su Ning a moment to remember—some time ago, Gu Lingfeng had mentioned taking him to a formal event and brought him to the family’s tailor shop for a custom suit. That fitting had been a while back, so the clothes were probably ready.
He’d been to that shop more than once. Without asking more questions, Su Ning adjusted the route and began driving toward the tailor shop.
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