How many loves can be relived in the story of a devoted CEO pursuing his wife?

"Brother, what's the solution?" When she opened her eyes again, a bitter smile appeared on her lips.

Looking into Lin Lan's sorrowful eyes, tears welled up in them. A forlorn smile played on her lips, her expression one of utter desolation.

Lin Xuedong felt a pang of sadness, but the feelings between a man and a woman cannot be forced or compromised. He was destined to betray her deep affection.

"Lanlan, love requires mutual affection and a deep connection of body and soul to last. You've already expressed your feelings, and I know how you feel. But love can't be forced. The person I love is Sisi, and she's the one I want to spend my life with. Therefore, I can't reciprocate your feelings. We're both adults, and we must use reason to judge and deal with right and wrong. That incident was a mistake, and I won't dwell on who was right or wrong. I hope you'll keep it a secret between us forever. Understand?"

Although his voice was very soft, his words conveyed a sense of determination.

This made Lin Lan feel incredibly embarrassed, ashamed, and flustered.

Her body was trembling uncontrollably, shaking violently. Even though she was gripping Lin Xuedong's arm, her hands couldn't hold on properly; her body felt weak, and her mind went blank.

Lin Xuedong noticed something was wrong with her; her face was pale, her body weak, as if she were about to faint. He quickly reached out and put his arm around Lin Lan's shoulder, pulling her into his embrace, and anxiously called out close to her ear, "Lanlan, how are you?"

Nestled in his arms, she felt warm; the faint scent of cologne mixed with tobacco was exceptionally sexy and alluring. The deep, powerful thumping of his heart drew Lin Lan in with every beat.

As the alcohol took effect, she was half sober and half infatuated. For someone she loved but couldn't have, she desperately wanted someone to teach her how to detach herself; she truly couldn't bear to leave that comforting warmth.

"Brother, let me lean on you, I feel so bad." Lin Lan paused for a moment, then spoke with a sorrowful voice.

Lin Xuedong looked down at Lin Lan's shiny brown hair, feeling a pang of sympathy and pity.

Heartbreak takes time to heal, and it also requires finding an outlet to release the frustration and worries.

He instinctively raised his hand to comfort her, but then Liu Sisi's porcelain-white and beautiful face flashed through his mind. His hand froze in mid-air, hesitating to press down.

He still needed to maintain a distance from Lin Lan, so that she wouldn't have too many fantasies.

The next second, Lin Xuedong straightened Lin Lan's body and helped her lean against the sofa. He gently ruffled her hair with his large hand, just like an older brother would always do for his younger sister, and said, "I'll get you a glass of water, wait here."

Lin Lan stared blankly as he expertly brought two glasses of water from the kitchen.

This man is handsome, good-tempered, and incredibly gentle and considerate. His features are striking and defined, with thick eyebrows that exude a heroic air, and deep, bright eyes. His high, straight nose and sensual, thin lips combine to make him exceptionally handsome.

The top two buttons of his white shirt were casually undone, revealing his fair skin and alluring Adam's apple. This further enhanced his elegant, mature, and refined demeanor.

Why can such a good man only be my brother?

She was so envious and jealous of Liu Sisi. What did she have that made her so special to this man?

"Drink some water, it'll make you feel better." A glass of water that appeared in front of her interrupted Lin Lan's daydreaming.

"Thank you, brother." Lin Lan took the water glass, took a sip, suppressed the bitterness in her heart, and put the glass down. She looked up at Lin Xuedong, who was towering over her, blinked her beautiful eyes, and asked, "Brother, what should we do?"

She made a decision in secret: since Lin Xuedong said he wouldn't pursue the matter, as long as they could maintain their current relationship, meet occasionally, and spend time together, she wouldn't let go, even if it meant clinging on to him to the very end.

While it's true that love can't be forced, there's also a saying that feelings can be cultivated. Now that she's expressed her feelings openly, she feels relieved, and things will just take their natural course from now on.

“Go lay low for a while. Ah Xiao has arranged a European trip for you; you can leave anytime. Once this matter has settled down and we're sure no one with ulterior motives is making trouble, I'll arrange for you to come back.” Lin Xuedong, one hand in his trouser pocket, walked to the glass door of the balcony. His eyes narrowed as he gazed at the myriad lights outside the window.

The priority now is to get Lin Lan away and appease her so that she follows her own desires.

Lin Lan forced a stiff smile, her eyes, stung once again, filled with disappointment and bitterness.

He still had to get rid of her; all she had given up couldn't earn her even a shred of his affection.

After a moment's hesitation, Lin Lan closed her eyes in despair. "Okay, I'll listen to you, brother."

As soon as her hoarse voice fell, Lin Xuedong's heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy object, a deep pain washing over him. He couldn't bear to see Lin Lan heartbroken and despairing, to betray her nearly 20 years of devotion to him, and his heart was heavy.

"Lanlan, you will meet a man who truly loves you in the future. As for us, if you are willing to accept it, I will still be your brother." These words sounded weak, meaningless, and even a little hurtful.

But he still had to grit his teeth and help; some positions and relationships had to be clearly defined and could not be ambiguous.

Upon hearing this, Lin Lan clenched her fists tightly. She raised her pale and haggard face, a trace of loneliness flashing across her face before quickly disappearing.

But the deep affection in her open eyes remained undiminished. Looking at Lin Xuedong, her voice trembled slightly as she said, "Brother, you'll always be my brother. Don't worry, I'll be good. I'm sorry my problem has troubled you."

Lin Xuedong turned around and saw his lonely and haggard younger sister, and his handsome brows furrowed involuntarily.

He walked towards Lin Lan, and Lin Lan also stood up to greet him.

The bitterness in her heart and the stinging in her eyes made her feel utterly desolate.

Their eyes met, their gazes meeting. Sadly, the man's eyes held no emotion, only a deep sense of guilt.

"Brother, please give me time, don't despise me." Her eyes were red, and she pleaded humbly. "I will try my best to move on from this relationship, okay?"

"Okay." Lin Xuedong still felt a little guilty; he was the one who hurt Lin Lan. He hoped to make amends in other ways, so he instinctively reached out and ruffled her hair, cruelly adding insult to injury. "This is a secret between us."

Lin Lan stared at him blankly, seeing helplessness and worry in his eyes. She pursed her pale lips, swallowing all her grievances and sadness, and nodded slightly.

Forget it, there's plenty of time in the future, let's not argue about the length of a single day.

As long as he stops blaming her and continues to address her as brother and sister, that's fine. As long as she can still be with him, even without love, she'll accept it and willingly stay by his side.

After leaving Lin Lan's apartment, Lin Xuedong smoked for a while in the car.

He's finally managed to appease Lin Lan. As long as he can keep that matter a secret, things will go much more smoothly from now on.