My sister regretted sending me to the correctional facility.

Gu Yao called me aside to the corridor outside.

She asked me privately, "Lu Yi, I went out to make a phone call just now. When you were in the private room, did Zhao Ming do anything to you?"

I was slightly taken aback when I heard Gu Yao's words.

Is Gu Yao concerned about me?

But I couldn't help but smile bitterly to myself.

If Gu Yao had to choose between Zhao Ming and me, she would definitely choose Zhao Ming.

Even if I expose Zhao Ming's evil deeds.

Given my past experiences, Gu Yao will not only not believe me, but will also think I am lying.

After all, in her mind, I am someone who likes to "lie".

But she didn't know that my "lying" was all thanks to Zhao Ming.

At this moment, Zhao Ming was pressed against the wall of the private room.

He was very nervous as he eavesdropped on my conversation with Gu Yao.

In the corridor, Gu Yao stared intently into my eyes.

"Lu Yi, don't be afraid. Just tell me what's wrong, and I will seek justice for you."

I looked at Gu Yao's serious expression.

Suddenly, I remembered that Gu Yao had asked me the same question before.

That was a love letter that Zhao Ming secretly wrote, which was discovered by Gu Yao.

Zhao Ming, being a coward, framed me for the love letter.

The love letter contained his secret crush and confession to Gu Yao.

But Gu Yao seemed to hate these things.

At that time, she found me and stared at me with the same serious expression.

And asked the same question.

"Lu Yi, just say what you have to say!"

At that time, I told Gu Yao the truth.

The love letter was written by Zhao Ming.

All of this was a frame-up and slander against me.

I thought that if I told Gu Yao the truth, she would choose to believe me.

But I didn't expect that.

Gu Yao chose to believe Zhao Ming.

I don't know what Zhao Ming said to Gu Yao or what kind of spell he cast on her.

But Gu Yao angrily tore up the love letter.

She threw the torn-up love letter in my face and warned me never to have any improper thoughts.

So many years have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the corridor of the private room.

Gu Yao asked me this question again.

But this time...

I won't be foolish enough to listen to her anymore.

Finally, I said those words in a low voice and with a blank expression.

"I have nothing to say."

Gu Yao's expression showed obvious surprise.

She pointed at my head.

"Your head is bleeding, and this isn't a cut from a bump! Lu Yi, you can fool others, but you can't fool me! Because I know you too well!"

Do you understand me?

Upon hearing those three words, I looked up at Gu Yao with a self-deprecating bitter smile.

If she really understood me, she shouldn't have sent me to the reformatory in the first place.

If she really knew me, I wouldn't have been sent to a mental hospital.

If she really knew me, why would I be kowtowing and apologizing to Zhao Ming in this place?

Gu Yao looked at me with some anger.

It seems to be because I don't tell the truth.

"Lu Yi, you've changed!"

Gu Yao spoke with a hint of reproach.

People always change, don't they?

I responded with a wry smile.

Gu Yao looked very dissatisfied.

“You weren’t like this before. You used to say whatever came to mind. You’re a straightforward person and you can’t hold back what you want to say.”

"Really? You really know me well."

"Can you tell me what's been going on with you lately? We grew up together, and my mom treats you like her own son. Is this how you treat me with this kind of passive-aggressive behavior?"

Gu Yao's words seemed full of concern and good intentions.

However, every word he uttered was selfish and chilling.

"I really didn't do anything..."

What exactly happened to the wound on your head?

"I crashed into it myself."

"Then what's the story behind you escaping from the mental hospital and showing up at Zhao Ming's company?"

"I am not happy."

What's bothering you?

That's my company.

Gu Yao suddenly smiled.

"Oh, I see. So you're feeling jealous and upset because of this, right?"

Gu Yao had an expression that said she knew right through me.

She said disappointedly, "Lu Yi, you are still the same cowardly good-for-nothing as ever, petty and narrow-minded, you don't even have this much magnanimity!"

"Do you know that during the year you were in the reformatory, it was Zhao Ming who worked day and night to manage your company? If it weren't for him, your company would have collapsed long ago!"

"Zhao Ming once swore to me that he was only temporarily managing the company for you, and that he would return it to you intact once you had successfully reformed it!"

"I never imagined you were the kind of man who would disregard past friendships for money and power! Zhao Ming did so much for you, and instead of being grateful, you went and caused trouble for him. You've really broken my heart!"

Gu Yao's words were so eloquent and impassioned that they completely refuted my point.

I stared at the other person in astonishment.

In the past, I might have felt very sad, heartbroken, or even angry.

But now, I just find it laughable.

A silent, cold laugh swept through my mind.

at this time.

Zhao Ming, who had been eavesdropping on our conversation.

He pushed open the door to the private room and stepped into the corridor.

Gu Yao asked, "Zhao Ming, why are you out here?"

Zhao Ming said with a heavy expression, "Lu Yi, I didn't expect that this matter would make you so unhappy with me!"

"If that's the case, let me apologize to you first."

As he spoke, Zhao Ming deliberately bowed deeply to me at a 90-degree angle in front of Gu Yao to apologize.

Seeing this, Gu Yao started lecturing me again.

"Lu Yi! Look at you, and then look at Zhao Ming! You're so old, yet you're still as immature as a child. When will you grow up to be as mature and sensible as Zhao Ming?"

I stared at Zhao Ming with a blank expression and indifference.

Zhao Ming continued his act: "I did promise Gu Yao that as long as you complete the transformation, I will immediately return your company to you."

As he spoke, he looked at Gu Yao with a serious expression.

"Gu Yao, the company is currently pushing forward several orders worth tens of millions of yuan. At this critical juncture, I don't want any setbacks or risks to occur."

"But if Lu Yi insists on returning to the company, I can transfer ownership of the company to Lu Yi right now. It's just a pity about these few billion-dollar orders. If they fall through, the company probably won't even be able to pay salaries!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yao immediately shook her head and refused.

"Zhao Ming, who said you were supposed to return the company to Lu Yi?"

"You promised me, but that was only after Lu Yi had completely reformed himself before we could return the company to him."

"Look at how pathetic he is now. He doesn't look like he's been reformed at all. If you were to give back the company that you've built up so successfully, he'd probably bankrupt it in less than six months!"

I watched their conversation quietly.

And I know it very well.

From the very beginning, Zhao Ming had no intention of returning the company his father left me.

He said that simply to put on a sob story.

They emphasized his role while belittling my incompetence.

If Gu Yao were a normal person...

She would ensure that Zhao Ming continued to run the company.

As for me?

I'll have to wait until I finish modifying it.

But when will I finish the renovation?

It all started with a single sentence from Gu Yao and Zhao Ming.