On the day of breaking off the engagement, I got married to my ex-uncle

"As for cooperation..."

She paused deliberately, her eyes fixed on Xu Yuanmo's face, trying to observe the changes in his expression carefully. But Xu Yuanmo's face did not show any emotion at all, she secretly praised him, but also became more cautious.

"We'll discuss cooperation in detail later," she deliberately distanced herself from Xu Yuanmo, "I have to take care of some personal matters first."

She subconsciously took out the recorder in her pocket. Her intuition told her that the phone call just now might be the key to the answer she longed for. She waited for so long until she could hear her own heartbeat.

However, at this moment, Lawyer Li's voice suddenly rang in her ears. His voice was calm but powerful enough to be ignored. "Ms. Chu, my previous advice is still valid."

Chu Xixi frowned and tightened her grip on the recorder. She knew that the network behind Attorney Li was complex and powerful. He could always provide shortcuts to solve problems, but the price was often to give up some of the control over the design, which she was unwilling to accept.

The angry and corrupt face of Huo Hangfan appeared in her memory. She knew that in this struggle with her old love and power, she needed stronger backing to maintain her independence and creativity.

She raised her head and looked at Xu Yuanmo who was calm and composed. She decided to test him. "Mr. Xu, you seem to be very interested in my private affairs. What is your purpose?"

Xu Yuanmo's lips curled up slightly, and his voice was steady and deep, "Miss Chu, my goal is the same as yours, the winner is the king."

She was shocked. The man in front of her seemed to have eyes that could see into people's hearts. She didn't want to lose in the game of chess, but she also knew that there was more information hidden in his words.

"Lawyer Li, I respect you and the power behind you," she said firmly, "but my answer is the same as before. My designs will only have my style."

Lawyer Li nodded slightly, "Okay, Ms. Chu, I understand what you mean."

The night wind blew in from the window, bringing a chill, but it could not cool her passion and ambition for design. She knew that at any time, the dignity and creativity of a designer would not be arbitrarily controlled by others.

"Mr. Xu, you came at an inopportune time today. Our studio does not plan to accept any cooperation. Please go back." Chu Xixi tried her best to make her voice sound firm. She didn't know why Xu Yuanmo suddenly appeared, nor did she know why he knew about her past with Huo Hangfan.

"Ms. Chu, are you sure you don't need help? I can provide any support you need, whether it's design drafts or information about opponents." Xu Yuanmo's tone was still gentle and firm, as if he was waiting for her affirmation.

"How do I know if you will attack me behind my back?" Chu Xixi was cautious. She looked at him sharply, trying to find a flaw.

"You can doubt me, but what I do for you is out of true appreciation and respect." Xu Yuanmo's voice was gentle and sincere. "I am considering whether to make you my partner, but if you need help, I will also be there."

"I appreciate your kindness, but I want to defeat them with my own strength. If..." Chu Xixi hesitated, then continued, "If I really need your help, I will come to you."

Xu Yuanmo smiled and nodded. "Then I won't stay any longer. I hope we will have a chance to talk again." As he spoke, he stood up and left the studio in a chic manner late at night.

Chu Xixi breathed a sigh of relief and put her phone back on the table. She picked up the cooperation plan and opened it to take a look. The plan was very specific and even provided some methods that were very valuable for reference in the current difficult situation of the studio. But Chu Xixi did not take action immediately and was still hesitant. After all, in this world full of trust crises, a decision could be a matter of life and death.

Xu Yuanmo's words just now kept echoing in her ears, as if hiding some unknown plan. Chu Xixi frowned and thought, tomorrow's sun will bring new light, or it may bring new storms - she is prepared for both.

Chu Xixi stood in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau, the wedding ring in her hand reflecting a dazzling light in the sun. Her expression was cold and hard, and her eyes were fixed firmly on the front, as if she was waiting for something. Just when she was about to throw the ring away, a big hand suddenly reached out and steadily caught the metal ring that symbolized love.

"Don't do this, you will regret it." A deep and magnetic voice sounded, Chu Xixi looked up and saw Xu Yuanmo's handsome face. His eyes were deep, seemingly careless, but hiding a trace of imperceptible concern.

"Xu Yuanmo, what are you doing here?" Chu Xixi's voice was a little wary. Although she knew this man's reputation in the business world, she did not let down her guard.

"I came to attend a wedding, but I didn't expect it to be like this." Xu Yuanmo said lightly, but his eyes involuntarily swept to Chu Xixi's side, where her fiancé should have been standing.

"Unfortunately, today's wedding is cancelled." Chu Xixi replied coldly, her eyes full of disappointment and anger, "Because I found something that is enough to make me give up this relationship."

Xu Yuanmo's expression became serious. He moved closer and whispered, "If you need help, maybe I can do something."

Chu Xixi was slightly stunned. She didn't expect to receive his offer of help in this situation. The man in front of her was obviously not someone she could easily see through.

"I don't need anyone's help, especially someone like you." Chu Xixi's words were full of determination, but she was a little shaken in her heart. Xu Yuanmo's appearance was too sudden, and her plan did not include this variable.

Xu Yuanmo was not angry, but smiled, "Okay, if you change your mind, you can always come to me."

He turned around and prepared to leave. Chu Xixi suddenly felt an inexplicable emotion in her heart. She knew that she was facing not only a failed wedding, but also many challenges in the future. When she looked up again, Xu Yuanmo had already walked away, leaving only a lonely back, which contrasted with the leaves swaying gently in the evening breeze.

She didn't know whether this scene was another beginning or just a prelude to another impending storm. At that moment, Chu Xixi's heartbeat was abnormally strong, as if foreshadowing that the upcoming life would be full of more unpredictable variables.

As the sky gradually darkened and the neon lights of the city gradually lit up, Chu Xi looked out the window at the hustle and bustle of traffic, but his heart seemed to be tangled in a mess. The atmosphere in the studio became dull and depressing, with only the drawings emitting a faint scent of ink in the air.

Xu Yuanmo looked at her, as if he could sense her hesitation and defensiveness. His eyes revealed a hint of sympathy, and a bit of probing, "Ms. Chu, I think you understand that cooperation requires trust from both sides. I can patiently wait for your decision."

Chu Xixi sighed and turned to his dark brown eyes that showed intelligence and determination. "Mr. Xu, I need some time to consider your proposal. After all, this is not an easy decision."

Xu Yuanmo nodded slightly, "I understand. But please don't hesitate too long, time waits for no one."

Under the light, Chu Xixi's face looked calmer and more resolute. She knew that every decision she made was related to the direction of her future destiny. She would never forget the director's words, the secret about her identity, the mystery that had troubled her since she first consciously opened her eyes in Qingshan Orphanage.

"By the way, Miss Chu, I heard that you are looking for a place called Chu Village. Maybe I can provide some help." Xu Yuanmo suddenly changed the subject with a hint of mystery in his tone.

Chu Xixi's eyes instantly became hot. She had been looking for information related to her life experience, but she had no clue. She almost pleaded with him, "If you know anything, please tell me."

Xu Yuanmo pondered for a moment, "I have heard a little about Chu Village. I have some information on hand that may be helpful to you."

Chu Xixi suddenly felt that this moment might be the starting point to solve the puzzle of her life. She tried to remain calm and answered firmly, "Thank you for your help."

"Huh?" Chu Xixi didn't know what the dean wanted to say to her about this fatal news, but the beginning of this sentence made Chu Xixi's heart beat ten times faster.

"Dean, please continue." Chu Xixi held the dean's hand tightly.

"You are different from other children. You are Chu Jinyu's daughter." The dean's voice seemed to have squeezed out the last bit of strength. This bombshell resolved all the doubts in Chu Xixi's heart.

No wonder she always felt so alienated from others deep in her heart. She had always longed for a place where she could finally rest. She thought this was probably the feeling of powerlessness caused by her blood.

Under the supervision of the royal family, the Chu family branch was restricted in every way. Even as the heir, he was still controlled by the foreign relatives.

Mrs. Chu never stopped looking for her daughter, but Chu Jinyu did not hesitate to use the power of the royal family to hide the news. From the time the eldest daughter got pregnant to the time she gave birth, everything was kept extremely secret, and no news about her ever leaked out. Although she cooperated with the investigation, the answers she sent back every year said that she was safe. The Chu family gradually believed it and stopped looking.

But the obsession of pursuing bloodline continued. The eldest lady could not escape the inner demon after all. She exchanged identities with her personal maid just to pursue the soil of freedom. While resisting the urging, the two crossed the road, the horse had an accident, and the two were sent to the hospital.

When Mrs. Chu was about to give birth, an amniotic fluid embolism occurred and took her life, but she left behind her last obsession. This is a later story.

Chu Xixi stared at the challenging face. Xu Yuanmo's eyes seemed to see through everything in the studio late at night. Her hand gently stroked the folder, and her heart was full of vigilance and curiosity. She took a deep breath and opened the folder. The design drawings and cooperation terms were clearly visible.

"Mr. Xu, these proposals are very forward-looking, but I don't understand why you chose me?" There was a hint of caution in Chu Xixi's voice. She would not allow herself to suffer any loss in the business world, especially to a partner who suddenly appeared.

Xu Yuanmo smiled slightly, and his smile looked particularly charming under the dim light. "Because, Miss Xixi, I think someone as talented as you should stand on a bigger stage. Huo Hangfan doesn't deserve a treasure like you."

Chu Xixi frowned slightly. When she mentioned Huo Hangfan, her mood suddenly became complicated. "I hope that no one will mention the past between Huo Hangfan and me from now on. I only care about business."

"Of course, I totally understand." Xu Yuanmo nodded, his eyes fell on Chu Xixi's determined eyes, "In fact, we can be more than just business partners."

At this moment, there was a sudden knock on the door outside the studio, and Chu Xixi's assistant Xiao Zhang rushed in with a pale face. "Xixi, it's bad, something has gone wrong!"

Chu Xixi frowned and stood up quickly. "What's wrong, Zhang Zhang, what happened?"

Xiao Zhang was panting, holding an urgent email in his hand. "It's Huo Hangfan. He challenged you publicly on social media, saying that your design plagiarized his idea. He also posted some comparison pictures. The public opinion online is very unfavorable..."

Chu Xixi's face darkened, and a trace of anger flashed in her eyes. "That bastard actually used such a despicable method!" She took the email and quickly browsed the content. Every word seemed to be branded on her heart.

Xu Yuanmo stood up nervously, the worry in his eyes was self-evident. "Xixi, do you need my help?"

Chu Xixi took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. "No need, Mr. Xu. This is my battle, I will handle it." Her voice was firm and calm, as if she was determined to turn this sudden crisis into an opportunity.

Suddenly, there was another knock on the door. Unlike the previous panic, this knock was particularly powerful. The door was pushed open, and a familiar figure appeared at the door - Huo Hangfan. He had a smug smile on his face, as if he had foreseen Chu Xixi's defeat.

"Xixi, it seems that you should consider accepting my challenge?" Huo Hangfan's voice was cold and sarcastic, and he did not hide his hostility towards Chu Xixi.

Chu Xixi stared at him coldly, with a gleam of unyielding light in her eyes. "Okay, Huo Hangfan, since you are so eager for a contest, then come on. I will let you see what a true master designer is!"

Chu Xixi didn't have time to drink coffee. She was still thinking about the studio's project, and she always felt uncomfortable staying with Xu Yuanmo.

"I'm leaving now. Thanks for taking me back."

"Why are you in such a hurry? Come in and sit down." She had no intention of leaving.

"I'll come visit the dean another day. I came here suddenly today and didn't bring anything." She hurriedly evaded the question.

"what about me?"

"what?"

"You didn't bring anything either?" The eyes behind the sunglasses were particularly deep, staring at her quietly.

"Uh..." She lowered her head and patted the bag on her arm.

"How about..." He leaned down, getting closer and closer to her. Her heart almost jumped out of her throat, and she said two words faster than he did.

"I'm hungry."

Her words came out in a flash, and I don't know who she has cheated this time.

"..." He seemed to want to say something, but swallowed it back in the end.

"So, you're going to treat me to a meal? Right here?" A gentle smile crept up to the corners of his eyes.

She nodded and pointed to the bag beside her, "Inside it is the bird's nest that I brought for the dean. I also bought you some fish soup. Look at you..." She looked at his reflection in the window glass diagonally above. He was so thin that it made people feel distressed.

"Thank you." The warm orange light from the window illuminated his delicate jawbone, causing her to glance at him secretly. He was filled with a sensitive and cautious feeling.

Too sensitive...overly sentimental.

A bolt of lightning struck, and her mind was in a mess. She seemed to know what was going on with his sad peach blossom eyes.

When he was a child, he was a cool little boy with pink makeup, sitting there quietly waiting to be picked up. Later she learned that it was the last time he appeared in the orphanage, and since then, he seemed to have completely disappeared.

Looking at this mature face now, compared with his pale face when he was a child, could it be...

With a bang, a white lightning struck her head.

What is she thinking about!

"Sister, let's go in." The dean was leaning on a cane, a bright smile spreading across the doorway.

"Here I come." She put aside her drifting thoughts, and he curved his lips into a faint smile and moved closer to her.

It was at this moment that sirens blared outside and police cars came speeding in.

"Xixi, did you call the police?" Deng Xianhe asked.

She shook her head, then nodded. After so many nights of being ignored, the girl standing here today seemed to be no longer the same person she once was. Her growth seemed to have made her more like herself, the one who dared to love and act.

"I want to know the truth about the car accident seven years ago. I want to know if the person who signed for me was Huo Hangfan. If the police can intervene and let the belated justice surface, someone will tell me the answer, right?" She maintained this stubbornness in the face of the noisy voices around her.

Deng Xianhe took a step forward and hugged her, his voice full of heartache, "Xixi, you don't need to face it alone, don't worry. I will give you an explanation for whatever you want to know."

She nodded and responded softly. What could a belated explanation retain? She didn't know. If time could go back to that day, she would probably still choose a better option, which was definitely not to get married to Huo Hangfan. However, Xu Yuanmo's appearance repeatedly told her that it was really difficult to escape from the big net of fate.

Some things have quietly changed in a corner that she didn't know about. Xu Yuanmo joined the game not to muddy the water, but to make it clearer.

"Ms. Chu, I can protect you." Xu Yuanmo finally stated his purpose.

She looked him in the eye without avoiding it. "Protection? This thing is too expensive. I can't afford it now." Her voice was unusually calm.