After being reborn, the aloof female CEO became a paranoid.

At this moment, the air seemed to freeze.

Gao Qiang stood trembling to the side, his eyes darting between the two of them, unsure of where to hide.

“Apologize? You can’t just say it. What do you think?” Zhou Yu’s words seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.

He approached Zhou Ze step by step, and the oppressive feeling he exuded made everyone around him unconsciously take a step back.

Zhou Ze covered his face, his complexion alternating between pale and flushed. He hadn't expected Zhou Yu to suddenly attack, let alone that the punch would be so powerful.

"Brother, let me explain..." he tried to explain, but his voice sounded so weak.

"An explanation? Fine, then tell me, why did Gao Qiang fail to report it? Why did the rescue team take so long to arrive when the elevator malfunctioned?"

Zhou Yu spoke slowly, but each question felt like a heavy hammer blow to Zhou Ze's heart.

Zhou Ze's forehead began to sweat, but he didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so he had to bite the bullet and say, "I...I don't know what you're talking about. Gao Qiang was just too nervous, so he didn't report it in time."

"Nervous?" Mu Tianze sneered from the side. "I think he's scared by you! Zhou Ze, don't think everyone can't see through your little scheme!"

Just as Zhou Ze was about to retort, he saw Xu Xinran walking towards him in the distance. He had an idea and immediately changed his strategy, his tone becoming aggrieved.

"Big brother, why are you and Mu Tianze always targeting me? I was just concerned about you and apologized on behalf of our group, but you treat me like this..."

As he spoke, he deliberately wiped his bleeding nose with his sleeve, attempting to gain sympathy.

Sure enough, the gazes of those around him began to subtly change, as if they were all criticizing Zhou Yu for going too far.

However, Zhou Yu remained unmoved, because he had been putting up with Zhou Ze for a long time.

"Zhou Yu!"

Xu Xinran's urgent voice suddenly came from behind.

Zhou Yu was stunned. He turned around and saw Xu Xinran's anxious face. She hugged him tightly, as if afraid he would suddenly disappear.

"I'm sorry I'm late. Are you... hurt?"

Xu Xinran spoke while panting, clearly in a hurry.

Zhou Yu was a little dazed by the hug. In his past life, she was so ruthless to him, but now she was so anxious because he was trapped in the elevator. He couldn't quite figure it out.

He gently nudged Xu Xinran, "Hey, loosen your grip, I can't breathe."

Xu Xinran then realized what was happening and quickly let go, but her hand still clung to his arm.

"Let's go, I'll take you home so you can get some rest."

The two left just like that, leaving Zhou Ze alone on the spot, his nose hurting terribly, and his heart aching even more.

He couldn't believe that he had actually lost to Zhou Yu, especially to Xu Xinran.

Zhou Ze gritted his teeth and glared at Gao Qiang, his eyes seeming to say, "If you dare to talk nonsense, I won't let you off!"

Gao Qiang was frustrated, but there was nothing he could do but nod vigorously. He knew he was destined to take the blame this time.

Seeing that there was no more excitement to be seen, the people around dispersed.

Although Mu Tianze's legs were still a little weak, he didn't want to stay any longer and planned to take a taxi home to rest.

He had only taken two steps when he bumped into Jiang Qi at the corner, almost resulting in a close encounter.

"Oh, look how scared you are, your legs are weak?" Jiang Qi looked at Mu Tianze with a teasing expression, and deliberately moved closer to him, her eyes like she was teasing a frightened kitten.

"Do you want me to help you downstairs?"

Mu Tianze didn't dare to waste any more words with her, and quickly took two steps back as if avoiding a plague.

"No need, no need, I can manage on my own." After saying that, he hurriedly ran downstairs, afraid that Jiang Qi would pester him again.

Jiang Qi watched Mu Tianze's retreating figure, a playful smile playing on her lips.

"This guy is getting more and more interesting."

……

Inside the parking lot, Xu Xinran helped Zhou Yu into the passenger seat before getting in herself and starting the engine.

The atmosphere inside the car was somewhat heavy. Zhou Yu sat quietly, his usual coldness now seeming to carry an indescribable sense of detachment.

"Zhou Yu, is there anything else that's bothering you?"

Xu Xinran asked with concern, her voice gentle yet anxious.

But Zhou Yu simply closed his eyes silently, leaned back in his chair, and didn't say a word.

"Take a nap if you're tired, you'll be home soon."

Xu Xinran spoke softly, trying to offer him some comfort in her own way.

However, Zhou Yu's exhaustion seemed to be more than just physical; it was more like a storm raging in his heart, making it difficult for him to calm down.

As the vehicle slowly drove into the villa area and finally came to a steady stop, Xu Xinran turned to look at Zhou Yu. Seeing that he was still asleep, she decided not to disturb him and simply sat quietly by his side to wait.

However, Zhou Yu's sleep was not restful; his brows were furrowed, as if he were being troubled by some terrible dream.

"No...it wasn't me! Believe me..."

He whispered, his voice filled with helplessness and struggle. Xu Xinran held his hand tenderly, trying to soothe his fear with her gentleness and firmness.

"Don't be afraid, Zhou Yu, I'm here."

But Zhou Yu's dream was clearly too real and too painful; those past pains surged back like a tide, making it impossible for him to escape.

He suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes filled with terror and despair, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead like a drizzle.

The iron bars of the prison, the indifferent Xu Xinran, the endless torment... those images made him feel that deep-seated despair once again.

"Zhou Yu, it's alright, we're home now."

Seeing this, Xu Xinran tried to approach him to offer comfort, but Zhou Yu suddenly dodged her hand like a startled wild beast.

"Don't touch me...no!"