The Secret Realm of Time, His and Her Life Through the Changes

As the door closed, Shang Yibo subconsciously stood up and took two steps toward the door.

However, the scene before him was completely different from the reunion and recognition he had longed for day and night.

He waited so long, yet yesterday, at what wasn't the best time, he hastily revealed his identity to Zhou Yanruo. He couldn't deceive himself; how selfish he was to do that.

He was terrified that the courage he had finally mustered would fizzle out if he hesitated. Would he ever have another chance? It was hard to say whether Zhou Yanruo would even give him that opportunity after she understood what had happened back then.

Indeed, when he learned what Yin Bei—his biological father—had done to Zhou Yanruo's parents, he felt deeply guilty and struggled with his conscience.

He understood, of course, that if he hadn't spoken up last night, he might never have had the courage to face Zhou Yanruo again.

And what was the result? He was met with Zhou Yanruo's estrangement and indifference. How could he maintain this relationship? He was deeply troubled.

That being said, is the relationship they're trying to maintain the same kind of relationship they want?

Shang Yibo is currently more troubled than heartbroken. This feeling startled him, and perhaps Zhou Yanruo feels the same way.

They are simply seeking an answer, an answer that can bring them peace and acceptance. As for what that answer actually is, it is no longer important.

If we can regain trust and reliance on each other, can we still feel the spark of love?

Shang Yibo finally understood what it meant for things to change and people to be different; they were no longer the same people they used to be.

The doorbell rang again. At this hour, the entire crew should be resting. Who could be looking for him? Shang Yibo wondered as he walked to the door and opened it, only to find Zhou Yanruo, who had returned, standing there.

This time, she didn't go inside; she stood at the door and said directly, "I just received a call from Hong Yun."

Mentioning Hong Yun, Shang Yibo's expression turned serious. "Oh, she's already in Yuehai? Let's talk inside."

The two silently walked to the dining table and sat down. Zhou Yanruo continued, "I'm planning to go to Yuehai. I checked, and there's a direct flight at 5 pm today."

Shang Yibo did not interrupt, waiting for Zhou Yanruo to continue explaining the situation.

Zhou Yanruo continued, "After Hong Yun arrived in Yuehai, she went directly from the airport to meet a leader of Yuehai, who was introduced by her grandfather. Although that leader had retired, he still helped her find out some information."

Chu Fanqing is currently cooperating with an investigation and is under residential surveillance, unable to contact the outside world. The main issue at present focuses on bribery charges. A report alleges that during the bidding process for the Yuehai Medical Pilot Zone project, Chu Fanqing repeatedly bribed the director of the Yuehai Development Zone Management Committee, with the amount reaching several million yuan.

Shang Yibo retorted, "My father would never do such a thing. The Yuehai Pilot Medical Zone is just one of Rushang Group's many projects, and considering the group's overall investment scale, it's only a medium-sized investment. Rushang has been involved in a wide range of fields and has many key investment projects over the years, and has never done anything illegal. Why would he risk everything for such a small investment?"

Zhou Yanruo: "That's what I think too. Chairman Chu won't do that. Unless..."

Shang Yibo pressed on urgently, "Yes, impossible. Unless what?"

Zhou Yanruo pondered for a moment and said, "Unless there is a problem with the data in the bid, this is very crucial. If all investment qualifications were obtained through normal procedures, then it can explain the situation to some extent, showing that there was no need to ask the director of the trusteeship committee to help with anything, and therefore there was no motive or need for bribery."

Shang Yibo nodded, finding Zhou Yanruo's analysis quite reasonable, and then asked, "What does Hong Yun say?" He really wanted to hear Hong Yun's opinion, since she was currently in Yuehai.

Zhou Yanruo replied, "Hong Yun's view is basically the same as mine. Chairman Chu's investment team is still in Yuehai. In terms of professional strength, they are sufficient, but we are not sure about reliable candidates. At this time, we cannot afford any mistakes, so Hong Yun called me and hoped that I could go over and take charge of the internal review of the tender documents."

Shang Yibo agreed, saying, "I agree with your analysis, but thank you for making this trip."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanruo stared at Shang Yibo but remained silent. Shang Yibo felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze and asked, "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Zhou Yanruo gently shook her head and looked away, "It's nothing." But she felt a little awkward. Shang Yibo's current state was too composed, beyond what one would expect from someone his age of twenty. Although his words were polite, they carried an indescribable sense of detachment, making her feel uncomfortable. So, she said softly, "Could you make me a cup of coffee?"

"Okay, wait a moment." Shang Yibo turned and walked towards the kitchen. Zhou Yanruo watched his back, her awkwardness growing stronger.

Soon, the room was filled with the rich aroma of coffee. Shang Yibo returned to the dining table with two cups of coffee, gently placed one in front of Zhou Yanruo, and said apologetically, "I'm not really used to the hotel's coffee machine, and the coffee beans aren't very good either. I should have brought my own coffee machine from home. Please make do with this."

Zhou Yanruo snapped out of her reverie, a flicker of inexplicable anticipation crossing her eyes, but it quickly returned to its calm. "What more could someone like me, who's used to Americano, possibly ask for?" she replied with a smile, picking up her coffee cup.

Shang Yibo sat down opposite him, picked up his coffee cup, took a small sip, and then asked, "Have you booked the plane tickets?"

"Yes, I booked my flight as soon as I hung up with Hong Yun before coming to find you," Zhou Yanruo explained, adding, "Tickets for that day were in high demand, and I was worried about delaying my trip and affecting my work."

The two quickly got into work mode, both displaying calmness and rationality. This was the reality they had to face, and although it wasn't the state they truly desired, it was perhaps the most appropriate way to get along in the current situation.

Zhou Yanruo gently put down her coffee cup and said apologetically, "I've only been here for two days and I'm leaving again. I haven't been able to help you with your work here much."

Shang Yibo smiled and shook his head: "Aside from following the schedule, there are generally no unplanned changes in the crew. With Jiajia, Xiaoguangzi, and Teacher Sai by my side, we definitely have enough manpower."

Zhou Yanruo stood up, preparing to leave: "Yes, with them around, I really can't be of much help."

Shang Yibo quickly explained, "That's not what I meant. Things are more complicated in Yuehai, so don't worry about me. If possible, I'd like to go to Yuehai with you."

Zhou Yanruo smiled and replied, "I'll head straight to the airport in a bit. Why don't you say hello to Jiajia and the others?"

Shang Yibo followed Zhou Yanruo to the door and said with concern, "When you get to Yuehai, be sure to take good care of yourself and remember to call me to let me know you're safe."