Hidden truth, intricate love

The next morning, the exhibition organizers arranged a closed-door meeting in the hotel's conference room, inviting project leaders from various regions for in-depth exchanges and discussions on cooperation. Lin Yue and Li Hao arrived on time. The atmosphere in the meeting room was serious, and representatives from all parties engaged in a lively discussion on how to advance cultural cooperation.

Lin Yue listened attentively, quickly jotting down key points in her notebook and occasionally exchanging ideas with Li Hao. They worked in perfect harmony, forming a clear blueprint for future collaborative projects. However, midway through the meeting, Lin Yue felt a gaze, like a thorn, fixed directly on Li Hao.

She raised her head slightly, and sure enough, she saw a familiar figure at the other end of the conference room—Chen Wan.

Chen Wan was also in the meeting. She wore a sharp business suit and appeared composed, but her gaze remained fixed on Li Hao, a look of profound meaning. Even in such a formal setting, the emotion in her eyes was undisguised.

Lin Yue frowned slightly, and an indescribable feeling of annoyance rose in her heart. Chen Wan's persistence had already gone beyond the scope of an ordinary classmate. What was she trying to do?

After the meeting, everyone left one after another. When Lin Yue and Li Hao packed up their documents and prepared to return to the hotel, Chen Wan walked through the crowd and interrupted them with a smile.

"Li Hao, your project is truly promising. After hearing about your plans these past few days, I've become particularly interested in promoting rural culture." Chen Wan's voice was gentle, but her eyes held a certain underlying anticipation. "I wonder if we could find a time to discuss your ideas in detail?"

Lin Yue stood beside Li Hao and glanced at Chen Wan calmly, saying calmly but pointedly, "Chen Wan, we are already discussing the details of our cooperation with other companies. If your organization is interested, you can formally submit a letter of intent."

Chen Wan's smile froze slightly, but then returned to normal: "I just think it would be more efficient to talk to Li Hao face to face." She never looked at Lin Yue, as if the latter's existence was just air.

Li Hao sensed the tension in the atmosphere and quickly spoke up to ease the tension. "Actually, the specific details have almost been finalized. Lin Yue is right. If you have any further ideas, we can discuss them online."

Chen Wan's smile was still sweet, but there was a subtle hint of disappointment in her eyes. She sighed softly, "Okay, I hope I'll have the chance to see you again next time."

Lin Yue watched Chen Wan walk away, chuckling inwardly. This woman hadn't given up, still trying to get closer to Li Hao under the guise of work.

At lunchtime, the two found a quiet restaurant for dinner. Lin Yue appeared calm on the surface, but the resentment that had been simmering in her heart could no longer be suppressed.

"That 'classmate' of yours is really persistent." Lin Yue put down his chopsticks and looked at Li Hao with a half-smile.

Li Hao knew she was referring to Chen Wan, and said with a wry smile, "She probably just wanted to reminisce about the past, there's nothing else to it."

Lin Yue snorted coldly: "Reminiscing about the past? I think she wants to reminisce about the past of her whole life."

Li Hao sighed: "Lin Yue, don't think too much. There's really nothing between her and me."

Lin Yue didn't respond immediately. Instead, she lowered her head and took a sip of tea, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment, she slowly spoke, "Li Hao, I know you're a good-tempered person, but some things can't be solved simply by being polite. If you don't make your attitude clear to her, she'll think you're giving her a chance."

Li Hao was silent for a moment, and finally nodded: "I understand. I will pay attention next time."

Lin Yue smiled slightly, satisfied with his answer, but she still felt a faint sense of unease. Chen Wan's appearance had pierced her heart like a thorn. Although she seemed calm on the surface, she knew that this entanglement was far from over.

After lunch, Lin Yue and Li Hao returned to the hotel to rest for a while. Just as they were about to rush to the next event, Li Hao's phone suddenly rang. It was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello, is this Li Hao? This is Chen Wan." A familiar voice came from the other end of the phone, with a bit of caution.

Li Hao was stunned for a moment, then walked to the side to answer the phone: "What's the matter?"

"Actually... I'm planning an interview program about rural revitalization. I think your project is very suitable, and I would like to invite you to be a guest. This will also help promote your project." Chen Wan's tone was gentle and sincere.

Li Hao hesitated for a moment, knowing that this might be a good opportunity to promote the project, but he also knew that Lin Yue would never like him to have anything to do with Chen Wan again.

"Thank you for your invitation. However, our project already has a lot of media collaborations, so we may not be able to arrange time." Li Hao politely declined in a tactful tone.

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment, and Chen Wan sighed softly: "Okay, I just hope I can help you. In any case, if you change your mind, feel free to contact me."

After hanging up the phone, Li Hao looked up at Lin Yue. She didn't ask any questions, but just looked at him quietly, as if waiting for an explanation.

"It's Chen Wan's call. She wants to invite me to a talk show." Li Hao said frankly.

Lin Yue smiled faintly: "You refused, right?"

Li Hao nodded: "Yeah. I don't think it's necessary."

Lin Yue's eyes softened slightly. She knew Li Hao's stance was clear enough. But this emotional struggle made her realize: if this matter wasn't resolved, Chen Wan might forever remain a hidden danger between her and Li Hao. Night fell again, and the final day of the exhibition was drawing to a close. Lin Yue and Li Hao stood on the hotel balcony, watching the city's neon lights flicker before them. The night breeze blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness.

"This exhibition went quite smoothly." Li Hao said in a low voice, looking into the distance.

"Yeah, it went well." Lin Yue responded softly, but she could never completely relax in her heart.

She knew that after the exhibition, they would all return to their busy work. But the thorn she had felt because of Chen Wan seemed to have taken root in her heart, unable to be easily removed.

"Li Hao." Lin Yue suddenly turned her head and looked at him. "You really won't contact her again in the future, right?"

Li Hao was stunned for a moment, then nodded solemnly: "No. I only care about what we are doing."

Lin Yue smiled slightly: "Okay, then it's settled."

The night deepened, and the two figures, illuminated by the lamplight, appeared remarkably resolute. However, they were unaware that this emotional test was far from over. The road ahead was still filled with unknown challenges.