Hidden truth, intricate love

During the banquet, Gu Yao would occasionally move closer to Li Hao, even leaning slightly sideways to gaze at his profile when he wasn't paying attention. She tried to act as natural as possible, speaking to him in a lighthearted and cheerful tone, constantly trying to attract his attention.

"Li Hao, do you have any special hobbies besides work?" Gu Yao asked casually.

Li Hao thought for a moment and smiled faintly, "I like outdoor sports, such as mountain climbing and rock climbing. Lin Yue doesn't really like outdoor sports, but she will occasionally accompany me to go hiking."

Gu Yao smiled slightly and pretended to be excited and said, "I also like outdoor sports. Mountain climbing, cycling... they are all very interesting. If you have plans next time, I would also like to join!"

Li Hao didn't think much about it and nodded with a smile: "Then we can make an appointment and bring Lin Yue along so that we can all relax."

Gu Yao was secretly excited, thinking that she had finally found a legitimate opportunity to get close to Li Hao. She secretly planned that on her next trip, she would definitely seize every moment alone with Li Hao, even if it was only for a few minutes.

Secret temptation

As the dinner was drawing to a close, Gu Yao, while chatting with Li Hao, pretended to be casual and said, "Li Hao, I've always admired Lin Yue. She's really capable at work. But she always keeps herself so busy and tired. Have you ever thought that you could actually give her more support?"

Li Hao was slightly stunned when he heard this, as if he was thinking about her words. He nodded gently: "You are right, Lin Yue is indeed too hard-working. I will pay more attention and try not to put so much pressure on her."

Gu Yao felt a little proud in her heart, secretly thinking: "If I can plant some seeds of hesitation in his heart, perhaps his feelings for Lin Yue will not be so firm."

She continued calmly, "Actually, I think you and Lin Yue could focus on a better balance. For example, let her relax a little and not put all her energy into work. That way, you two will have a longer-term future, right?"

Li Hao nodded slightly and responded seriously: "You are right, Lin Yue does need more rest time. Thank you, Gu Yao, your words have given me some new ideas."

Gu Yao felt a surge of joy, feeling that she had begun to influence Li Hao's thinking. She secretly warned herself that she must be more attentive and patient in the future, step by step into his life and thoughts, and gradually make him dependent on her "care" and companionship.

Try to create opportunities

After the banquet, Gu Yao, under the pretext that she wasn't driving, deliberately asked Li Hao to take her home. Without giving it much thought, Li Hao offered to drive her home. The atmosphere in the car was quiet and subtle. Gu Yao sat in the passenger seat, her heart filled with anticipation and trepidation.

Along the way, Gu Yao chatted with Li Hao, intentionally or unintentionally, and the topic gradually turned to love and life. She pretended to be concerned and asked, "Li Hao, has your relationship with Lin Yue always been so good? In my opinion, Lin Yue has always been very strong-willed, but she is actually a very gentle girl."

Li Hao smiled and nodded, his eyes gentle as he said, "Yes, Lin Yue is indeed a gentle and strong person. Being with her makes me feel at ease and happy."

Gu Yao listened to his answer, and a hint of sadness welled up in her heart. She secretly thought: "Such an outstanding man, why can't he be mine? If I had met him earlier, maybe he would have chosen me?"

She suppressed the disappointment in her heart and smiled casually: "I really envy your relationship. But I believe that if I were Lin Yue, I would also be very happy."

Li Hao smiled faintly, without giving it much thought, and continued to drive intently. Gu Yao silently looked at his profile, her heart throbbing, and quietly made a wish in her heart: "Li Hao, one day, you will discover my good side. By then, I will know how to accompany you and how to make you happy better than Lin Yue did."

New plan: Get closer to Li Hao’s social circle

Back home, Gu Yao was in a state of confusion and struggle. She knew what she was doing was wrong, but her desire for Li Hao kept her from letting go. She realized that if she continued to approach him covertly, it might be difficult to truly win his heart, so she decided to make a more thorough plan to integrate herself into his life.

The next day, she took the initiative to contact Lin Yue and proposed to go outdoor sports with them on the weekend. Lin Yue happily agreed, not realizing Gu Yao's intentions at all.

"Lin Yue, thank you." Gu Yao said to Lin Yue with a smile, but secretly made up her mind: "I will seize this opportunity and let Li Hao really notice me. As long as I persist, one day he will understand how suitable I am for him."

She told herself that no matter how taboo this feeling was, she would pursue it bravely. Her inner jealousy and desire continued to grow, and she wanted to make herself irreplaceable by Li Hao's side, even if it meant hiding it in friendship.

Gu Yao cautiously approached Li Hao and Lin Yue, but she couldn't get Li Hao's attention. This lack of attention gradually changed her mindset, and her once innocent affection began to tinge with jealousy. She envied everything Lin Yue had, the wonderful man beside her, and even began to resent why she couldn't enjoy Li Hao's love and support like Lin Yue.

Gu Yao's inner turmoil gradually became distorted, and she began to secretly plot small moves, trying to gradually dismantle Lin Yue's image in Li Hao's heart and even make him doubt Lin Yue's character and loyalty. She knew that she needed to be cautious and careful, neither letting Lin Yue notice nor letting Li Hao feel disgusted with her.