The abandoned daughter of the Lu family turns around and marries a celibate tycoon.

Lin Chen's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes flickered almost imperceptibly before returning to their usual impeccable composure: "What are you talking about?"

Gu Yanshen leaned back in his wide chair, his gaze fixed firmly on Lin Chen: "There are some things I've been waiting for you to say yourself. I never investigate you privately, that's my bottom line. But I need to know—" He paused, his voice low and clear, "From Switzerland onwards, those anonymous messages that reminded her to avoid risks and guided her direction, those were sent by you, weren't they?"

"It was you who included her on that list of people approved to return to China, and who let her appear in my suite, wasn't it?"

A crack finally appeared on Lin Chen's composed expression. He paused for a moment, then, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, a complex, relieved smile curved his lips: "You... guessed it all?"

"Why did you do this?" Gu Yanshen leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp. "Why did you push her to my side?"

"At first, it really was a coincidence," Lin Chen recalled, his tone becoming somewhat distant. "I originally just wanted to find an opportunity to contact her privately to ensure her safety. Unexpectedly, by some twist of fate, she bumped into you herself." He gave a wry smile. "You probably can't imagine how my heart was pounding in my chest when I saw her run into you that day."

"But you," Lin Chen looked up at Gu Yanshen, his eyes filled with a hint of inquiry and a certain certainty, "captured her. Not only did you not push her away, but you... helped her. At that moment, I knew that your feelings for her were different." He paused, "So the subsequent arrangements were a natural progression. I guided her to seek your protection, suggested that she replace Su Wanqing in the presidential suite... But I really didn't expect things to develop to this point, including your marriage."

"You still haven't answered the most crucial question," Gu Yanshen's gaze remained unwavering, scrutinizing, "What exactly is your relationship with her? Why are you going to such lengths to protect her?"

Lin Chen opened his mouth, the words swirling on his tongue a few times before finally settling into a vague assurance: "I won't be your rival in love. Is that enough?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yanshen's lips curved almost imperceptibly, a faint smile carrying an undeniable confidence: "If you had romantic feelings for her, you would never have pushed her onto me. I've never doubted that." His voice calmed, carrying a rare tolerance for a friend, "As for other relationships... I'm always ready to listen, whenever you want to. Now that she's here," he unconsciously tapped his finger lightly on the table, "no one can take her away. You can tell me whenever you want."

Lin Chen fell silent, a complex struggle flashing across his eyes. Finally, he chose to steer the conversation to another crucial point: "What happened between you and Miss Song, those past entanglements... haven't you explained them to her yet?"

Gu Yanshen's eyes dimmed slightly, and he acquiesced.

"So, that's why Song Zhihe was able to cause such a scene at your wedding." Lin Chen's tone turned serious. "What do you expect Miss Lu to think? How can she possibly give herself to you wholeheartedly and without reservation, and even imagine a future with you?"

"Between Song Zhihe and me, there is nothing left but gratitude." Gu Yanshen's voice was tense, tinged with impatience, yet also with a hint of helplessness.

"But it is precisely this 'favor' that has become her most useful bargaining chip, allowing her to stand between you with righteous indignation and impunity." Lin Chen looked directly at him, his words blunt and almost cruel. "Yan Shen, if you just want a woman to have your child, it's too easy. People who covet your status, position, and wealth could line up all the way to Switzerland."

"But, there might only be one person who doesn't want any of these things from you, but only your sincere heart," Lin Chen slowed his speech, enunciating each word clearly.

Gu Yanshen frowned, Lu Xiran's image flashing uncontrollably through his mind. She had indeed used his influence to escape her predicament, yet she had always maintained a clear sense of propriety. The expensive jewelry Bai Fang had given her was carefully put away, and the staggering dowry card he had given her remained untouched in the bedside table. She was like a cautious oyster, only revealing her softest parts, while keeping her true self tightly hidden inside her shell, always maintaining an invisible distance between them.

"But this sense of propriety," Gu Yanshen's voice was low, carrying an irritation he himself was unaware of, "isn't it also a kind of estrangement, a willingness to withdraw at any time? Because of the fear of getting too involved and being unable to sever ties in the future."

"If there's truly no connection, no expectation, then why be afraid?" Lin Chen countered, his tone calm yet hitting the nail on the head.

Gu Yanshen remained silent.

After a long silence, Lin Chen broke the silence, a relaxed smile returning to his face. He took out an elegantly packaged dark blue velvet box and pushed it in front of him: "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Happy birthday."

"In previous years, Jingyan and I usually just made do with your birthday. Starting this year," Lin Chen smiled, his eyes gentle, "it's time for a change."

Gu Yanshen took the box, opened it, and inside was a low-key yet luxurious platinum fountain pen, with his initials engraved on the cap. He didn't say anything, just closed the cap and nodded slightly.

Lin Chen tactfully got up and left.

Gu Yanshen picked up his phone. The latest message was from Bai Fang: "Happy birthday, my dear grandson. Grandma won't disturb your time together! The gift is in the study at home, remember to open it." He hovered his finger over the chat box for a moment, hesitating whether to ask his grandmother if she had told Lu Xiran that it was his birthday today, but in the end he deleted what he had typed.

He sent Lu Xiran a short message: "Let's have dinner together tonight."

The message was sent successfully. He stared at the screen, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold surface of the phone. Lin Chen's words echoed in his ears—she cared, which was why she was afraid of getting involved and kept her distance. It wasn't that she didn't love him, but she needed more time and a definite sense of security.

If he gives her enough, will she be willing to let her guard down? Will she truly accept him? Including accepting a future that belongs to them.

My phone vibrated.

He immediately picked it up, and Lu Xiran's reply popped up on the screen: [I've made plans with Qiqi tonight, I'm staying at her place~ I won't be going back, see you tomorrow!]

Gu Yanshen stared at the line of text and the lively tilde at the end. The slight irritation and disappointment that Lin Chen's words had just soothed instantly surged back with even greater force. His jawline tightened, and after a long while, he almost used all his self-control to avoid making any inappropriate move. He simply silently placed his phone screen down heavily on the clean desk.

care?

Who cares!

He chuckled inwardly, a chilling self-mockery spreading through him.

He was busy until 8 p.m.

The city lights outside the window were just coming on, dazzling and bustling. He was alone again in his spacious office, surrounded by mountains of documents. This year's birthday seemed more solitary than any other.