He lured her deep into his trap, using both overt and covert methods to seduce her.

"what?"

Song Zhi looked at Fu Lu with a completely bewildered expression.

Fu Lu said in a low voice, "I'll tell you later."

Then, he turned to the old man and said, "Let's go back and discuss it again tonight."

The old man seemed somewhat dissatisfied with Fu Lu's decision, and frowned as he said, "If you're not going to work tomorrow, then stay here tonight."

Upon hearing this, Song Zhi's heart tightened, and her hand holding the chopsticks involuntarily paused for a moment.

To be honest, she felt a little uncomfortable spending the night at the Fu family's house.

Fu Lu's voice suddenly rang in her ear: "No need to come, I'm not used to being at home."

These words instantly darkened Old Master Fu's expression, and he said loudly, "What's there to be uncomfortable about at home?"

Faced with the old man's questioning, Fu Lu did not say anything more, and the atmosphere in the entire restaurant suddenly became extremely heavy.

Not wanting to cause any unpleasantness because of her, Song Zhi quickly said, "Ninth Brother, please stay."

Her voice carried a hint of pleading.

Fu Lu looked at Song Zhi without saying anything.

Seeing this, Song Zhi became a little anxious, and she said softly, "It's okay, I want to stay."

Fu Lu nodded after hearing this, and then said, "If you want to stay, I'll arrange for a driver to take them back."

Song Zhi hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "Can we take them back together? We can come back later."

Fu Lu glanced at her, and asked with some concern, "Are you sure you can handle it?"

After all, traveling back and forth by car might be a bit uncomfortable for Song Zhi right now.

Song Zhi smiled and nodded: "Yes, my baby was really good today."

Fu Lu continued, "After we finish eating, let's see how you are feeling. If you're doing well, we'll deliver it to you personally."

If you feel a little tired or unwell, I'll arrange for a driver to take him there.

Song Zhi replied, "Okay."

After the meal, Song Zhi felt that she was in pretty good spirits, so she reminded Fu Lu, "I feel pretty good now, I can go and deliver it."

Fu Lu looked at her, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes, but he still nodded and said, "Okay, but if you feel unwell on the way, be sure to tell me immediately."

Song Zhi smiled and replied, "Don't worry, I feel great today. I didn't throw up after eating."

Upon hearing this, Fu Lu smiled with relief, gently pinched her cheek, and said tenderly, "That's good."

Afterwards, the two first took Song's father and grandmother to the building where they rented the apartment, and then drove Song Jiachen home.

Throughout the journey, Song Jiachen kept his head down and remained silent, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes.

Song Zhi turned to look at him, and gently ruffled his hair: "Why are you looking so dejected?"

The boy looked up, his eyes slightly red: "Sis, you didn't really need to take me home."

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Song Zhi withdrew her hand. "How can I feel at ease letting you go back alone?"

Song Jiachen bit her lower lip, hesitating to speak.

Song Zhi chuckled softly, "Don't worry, even if I run into your mother, I won't clash with her."

"Really?"

The boy's eyes suddenly lit up.

When have I ever lied to you?

Song Zhi turned to him and winked, "But you have to promise me that if you want to see me in the future, just say so, don't sneak out alone."

Song Jiachen nodded vigorously, then lowered his head again: "Sister, I'm sorry, Mom..."

"Shh." Song Zhi put a finger to his lips. "These are words you shouldn't be saying. Remember, no matter what happens, you'll always be my brother."

The boy sniffed and gave a heavy "hmm".

Just then, Song Jiachen's phone rang.

He took out his phone, and his face immediately darkened when he saw the nickname.

Song Zhi caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of her eye and said gently, "Go ahead and answer her. She must be worried sick after you've been out for so long."

"Then, can I say I'm with my sister?"

The boy asked cautiously.

Song Zhi smiled and nodded.

"Hello."

Song Jiachen answered the phone, his voice noticeably tense.

Zhao Man's deliberately soft voice came from the other end of the phone: "Jiachen, where are you?"

"I'm with my sister."

The boy answered directly, his tone carrying a hint of stubbornness.

"What? What are you going to see her for?"

Zhao Man's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"Can't I miss my sister?"

Song Jiachen suddenly raised his voice, "I'm going back right away, bye!"

Without waiting for a response, he quickly hung up the phone, his fingers gripping the phone so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Song Zhi noticed the boy's slightly trembling shoulders and sighed silently.

Song Zhi casually asked, "What did your mother say?"

"They asked me where I was and when I was going back."

"Jiachen, your attitude was bad just now."

Song Jiachen lowered his head and said softly, "I know."

Why do we have to do this?

“I can’t forgive her when I think about what she did to Dad and you, but she’s my mother and I can’t hate her. I’m so conflicted.”

Song Zhi reached out and held Song Jiachen's hand, saying softly, "Jiachen, although I can't be magnanimous enough to pretend that nothing happened in the past, you can't be like me. You said it yourself, that's your mother."

Song Jiachen remained silent.

He's conflicted right now, especially when he's facing Zhao Man and that man; he gets very agitated.

More than ten minutes later, the car slowly stopped in front of a slightly old apartment building.

Song Zhi looked at the gray-white building through the car window. The walls were somewhat mottled, and she frowned slightly.

I never expected Zhao Man to bring Jia Chen to live in such a place.

"arrive."

Fu Lu, sitting in the driver's seat, gave a calm reminder, his slender fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel.

Song Jiachen unbuckled his seatbelt, his movements somewhat slow.

He turned to look at Song Zhi, hesitating to speak.

"Go ahead."

Song Jiachen nodded, opened the car door, and got out.

He stood by the car and looked at Song Zhi.

Song Zhi rolled down the car window, and the warm breeze of early summer, mixed with the fragrance of flowers, wafted towards her.

"Jiachen, come here."

Song Jiachen obediently stepped forward.

She reached out and straightened the boy's slightly disheveled collar.

"When you're abroad, remember to eat on time and don't stay up all night playing games."

The boy nodded obediently, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "Mm."

"It's not easy for your mother to raise you alone, don't make her worry too much."

Song Zhi's voice was very soft, as if she were giving instructions or talking to herself.

Song Jiachen suddenly grabbed the edge of the car window: "Sis, can I...can I video call you more often?"

Song Zhi paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course."

The boy's eyes lit up instantly: "Really? Won't you find me annoying?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Song Zhi reached out and pinched his cheek; it still felt as soft as when he was a child.

"You will always be my dearest little brother."

These words seemed to open a floodgate, and Song Jiachen's eyes visibly reddened.

He suddenly bent down, his voice choked with emotion: "Sister, I want to hug you..."

"What's with the hugging? That's enough."

Fu Lu's somewhat displeased voice came from the driver's seat.