Back in his office, Lou Yuming specifically searched for the meaning of "barbie q" and then fell into a long silence.
Song Xi, not having received a reply for a long time, started to get anxious.
"Hello? (Cat peeking)"
"Lend me some money"
"Urgent!"
"I'll return it as soon as I get my paycheck!"
"Brother!"
"(Resigned to fate jpg)"
"(Crying) (Crying)"
Song Xi had shed all pretenses of dignity. She had no shame left in front of Lou Yuming anyway, and the most urgent thing now was to get through this crisis!
Lou Yuming's temples throbbed as he looked at her string of messages.
So, after all that back and forth, it was just to borrow money!
He pursed his thin lips unhappily and then, with a dark expression, transferred fifty thousand yuan.
As expected, the other side instantly went quiet after receiving the money.
She even knew to be grateful, sending a few bowing emojis. Lou Yuming was so exasperated he laughed.
"Miss Anna, you can't go in, Miss Anna..."
The door was suddenly pushed open. A woman in a pure white long dress, smiling, walked in.
Yao Yifan looked at a loss. "Mr. Lou, I couldn't stop her..."
A cold glint appeared in Lou Yuming's eyes. He placed his phone on the desk and waved his hand. Yao Yifan cautiously closed the door.
"What are you doing here?"
His voice was as cold as an ice cellar.
Anna didn't care. She walked over with a smile. "I know you're busy with work and probably haven't eaten lunch. I made this myself. Try it."
"No need," he said without looking up, his attitude very indifferent.
Anna's smile faltered. She had dressed meticulously today, spending an hour just choosing a dress, only for him not to even glance at her.
"...Alright, I'll leave it here then. You can eat it when you're hungry."
Seeing his lack of reaction, a trace of disappointment welled up in Anna's heart.
She remembered something and deliberately moved closer, intentionally displaying the diamond necklace on her wrist.
Lou Yuming was momentarily blinded by the dazzling light.
Anna smiled and said, "This was your birthday gift to me last time. I've been wearing it. I heard there's a matching pair of earrings. I thought for my birthday this year you would... I didn't expect..."
That he would give nothing at all.
Lou Yuming slowly raised his head, his dark, cold eyes exuding iciness.
"I recall the old lady gave you a ruby necklace."
Anna said softly, "How could the one you gave me be the same as Grandma's..."
Lou Yuming's expression turned stern. "You used to take care of the old lady for Shao Cheng. That gift was appropriate then. Now that Shao Cheng is back, it's no longer necessary."
Anna looked incredulous. "...So you only gave me a birthday gift because of my brother?"
Lou Yuming gave her a cold glance, offering no comment. "Is that all you wanted to ask? You can leave now."
"Yuming," Anna's eyes teared up, her voice full of grievance. "You... don't forget we still have an engagement."
Lou Yuming's face hardened. He dropped the mouse in his hand. "If you're here to discuss this, then I don't mind explaining it directly to Mrs. Shao."
Anna panicked instantly. "Okay, okay, I won't say anything then."
*Bzzzz—*
His phone vibrated. Lou Yuming glanced at it, and a look of doting helplessness appeared on his face.
Anna was greatly surprised. She had never seen him wear such an expression before!
She quickly peeked, but only saw a white avatar, which was very familiar.
Lou Yuming's voice was icy. "Aren't you leaving yet?"
Anna cautiously tested him.
"Song Xi seems to be quite popular online lately. Do you know about it?"
Lou Yuming extinguished the screen, his dark eyes profound. "What do you mean?"
Anna said, "Don't misunderstand. I just want to show concern. After all, she's going to marry Zhang Qi, and it's not good if she's always putting herself out there. You don't know what people online call her. I'm afraid Grandma will be unhappy if she finds out, and you know her health has always been..."
"That's none of your business," he interrupted her sternly.
Anna's fingertips turned pale. She forced a smile. "Grandma Zhang is my elder too, can't I show some concern for her?"
"So you're trying to interfere in our family's affairs now?" His long fingers tapped lightly on the desk, his expression dark and forceful, exerting pressure without visible effort. "Anna, I've given you enough face. I didn't hold the phone incident against you."
Upon hearing the word "phone," a flicker of panic crossed Anna's eyes.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
She suddenly became nervous, afraid that Lou Yuming would fly into a rage and disassociate himself from her. She quickly left.
"There won't be a next time."
The man's warning echoed behind her. Anna's face turned pale, and she quickened her pace.
After she left, Lou Yuming unceremoniously tossed the lunchbox on the desk into the trash can.