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

Seeing the resentment in his eyes, Xu Xinran's heart involuntarily clenched.

She admitted that she had lost control; her anger, like a runaway horse, had once again trampled on his heart.

She was clearly here to repay a debt, so why did she still hurt him in this life?

“Zhou Yu…you hate me, don’t you? Only in this way can I be sure that I still hold a place in your heart.”

After saying that, she turned around and walked into the bathroom, and then the sound of running water began.

Zhou Yu barely opened his eyes, staring at the hazy figure reflected in the semi-transparent glass wall of the bathroom, a self-deprecating smile curling at the corner of his lips.

……

The next day, Zhou Ze, after repeatedly being rebuffed by Xu Xinran, was already somewhat disheartened.

For more than a month, he didn't even have a chance to get close to her, let alone exchange a few words with her.

He began to doubt whether the suggestions Zhou Yuzhen and Shen Tianling gave him were actually useful!

He dialed Shen Tianling's number and immediately began to pour out his grievances as soon as the call connected.

"Cousin, you and Aunt told me to hang around Xu Xinran more often, and I did. I even poured out all the sweet words I could think of, but she's still as cold as ice to me. Does your method even work?"

Shen Tianling chuckled softly on the other end of the phone and spoke slowly.

“Cousin, you need to be patient. Xu Xinran is no ordinary woman. Everyone in high society knows about her engagement party with Zhou Yu. If she falls for someone else so quickly, won't people gossip about her behind her back?”

"Is that so?" Zhou Ze was skeptical, but Shen Tianling's words had already made him waver a bit.

"Of course, why would I lie to you? We've been inseparable since we were kids, don't you know how I've treated you?"

"Right……"

Zhou Ze chuckled: "My cousin and aunt have always been the best to me since I was a child."

"So you need to step up your game and wait patiently. Once this storm passes, she'll definitely fall into your hands."

Praised by Shen Tianling, Zhou Ze became elated, as if he could already see the dawn of victory.

His cousin was right; he couldn't give up so easily. With Zhou Yu gone, wasn't he the most promising candidate to become the Xu family's son-in-law?

Thinking of this, Zhou Ze's confidence increased.

He hadn't tried to get Xu Xinran's attention for several days, so he immediately went back to his study, took out the game design proposal he had been working on late into the night for the past few days, and planned to show it to Xu Xinran.

With his things packed, he happily prepared to leave.

But as soon as she opened the door, she almost bumped into her father, Zhou Zhengwen, who was rushing in.

Zhou Ze quickly stepped aside and asked in confusion, "Dad, why are you in such a hurry? Is something urgent?"

Zhou Zhengwen was beaming with joy, as if he had won the lottery; his eyes were so wide they were almost slits from smiling.

"Xiaoze, Dad has good news for you. Your older brother is still alive! He's not dead!"

pat-

The folder in Zhou Ze's hand fell to the ground with a thud, scattering papers all over the floor. He was stunned for a long time before he could come to his senses.

"Wh...what? This is impossible!"

Zhou Ze's voice trembled, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

“It’s true, your older brother Zhou Yu, my son, is still alive and well!” Zhou Zhengwen repeated, his voice filled with excitement.

"No! No way! I don't believe it! How could he still be alive!"

Zhou Ze's emotions collapsed instantly, and he questioned sharply.

Zhou Zhengwen's face darkened, and he glared at Zhou Ze with displeasure. "What do you mean by this? Your older brother is still alive, and you're already so unhappy?"

Zhou Ze realized his lapse in composure, quickly composed himself, adopted an honest demeanor, and forced a smile, saying:

"How could that be, Dad? I was just too excited to hear that my older brother was still alive. After all this time, it's a miracle that he's alright."

Zhou Zhengwen gave a soft hum, and his expression softened slightly.

"Xiao Ze, you are both sons of the Zhou family. You should always consider the interests of the Zhou family first. Don't hurt your own family for the sake of a woman."

Zhou Zhengwen spoke earnestly, a hint of warning in his eyes.

If Zhou Yu were gone, Zhou Zhengwen wouldn't care what Zhou Ze did. But now, Zhou Yu is back, and Xu Xinran is clearly more interested in him.

This choice is undoubtedly the most advantageous for the Zhou family.

"I understand... Dad." Zhou Ze nodded obediently on the surface, but he was unwilling in his heart.

Why can Zhou Yu do it, but he can't?

"Your father will definitely help you choose the best marriage partner. You must be obedient," Zhou Zhengwen said earnestly, patting Zhou Ze on the shoulder.

"Then...when can I see my older brother?"

Zhou Ze asked unwillingly, he would never give up until he saw Zhou Yu alive with his own eyes!

Zhou Zhengwen waved his hand, his expression indifferent.

"President Xu said that your elder brother is currently in poor health and needs to rest well. He shouldn't be disturbed by anyone. You shouldn't worry about it for now. When the time comes, you will be able to see him."

Zhou Zhengwen knew in his heart that as long as Zhou Yu was alive, the Zhou family's sky would not fall.

Whether we meet or not is not important.

"Oh... okay."

Although Zhou Ze responded, the resentment and unwillingness in his eyes were impossible to hide.

……

At 10:00 a.m. sharp, the area in front of the Xu Group building was bustling with activity as a sudden press conference attracted the attention of countless media outlets.

The person standing on the podium was none other than Xu Xinran, the renowned head of the family.

"Dear friends from the media, as you all know, I've been searching for my fiancé, Zhou Yu, who went missing after falling into the water. Today, I have some good news to announce—"

She paused slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips: "I've found my fiancé. Having lost him and found him again, I will cherish this relationship even more."

Since Zhou Yu disappeared, Xu Xinran's reputation for being devoted to him has spread throughout the business world.

To find Zhou Yu, she personally took charge, staying up for days and nights without sleep. After the press conference, her image improved even more in the public eye, and the Xu Group's stock price also soared.

All of this was within her expectations. This press conference was not only for publicity, but also to let Zhou Yu know clearly that she would never let go no matter what.

……

Inside the villa, Zhou Yu woke up from his deep sleep, the glaring sunlight making him momentarily disoriented.

He shifted his body and discovered that the ropes binding him were gone. He looked down at himself, and everything that had happened last night gradually became clear in his mind.

It is an indisputable fact that she was forcibly taken by Xu Xinran.

At this moment, Zhou Yu only hoped that all of this was a dream, and that when he woke up, he could return to that peaceful town and live an ordinary life with Shen Shuqing and Miaomiao.

"Brother Shen... Miaomiao..."

Zhou Yu muttered to himself, his heart aching. The thought that the father and daughter might also be in danger because of him made him unable to stay a moment longer.

He suddenly rolled out of bed, grabbed a piece of clothing, and rushed outside.

As soon as I stepped out of the room, I bumped into the maid who came to deliver breakfast.

"Sir, you're awake? Perfect timing, the meal is ready. Please have a bowl of soup to nourish yourself."

"Don't drink!"

"Tell me where Xu Xinran is, I need to see her!"