Rotten wood cannot be carved.

It's always difficult to command those who aren’t truly your own people. Even though he was already Song Qingzhu’s bodyguard and driver, it seemed he still couldn’t accomplish the simplest tasks.

“I understand,” Lin Qi said heavily, hanging up the phone.

He was debating whether to call Tang Long when a voice suddenly sounded behind him: “Lin Qi, let it go.”

He hadn’t noticed when Hongyu had come over. She knew Lin Qi had called Song Qingzhu and, seeing his troubled expression, realized things hadn’t worked out.

“I’ll be fine,” Hongyu said with a smile. “In these peaceful times, no one starves. Besides, with my skills, I can make a name for myself wherever I go.”

Lin Qi genuinely believed in Hongyu’s abilities, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration.

Enough, he thought. He would call Tang Long after all.

Just then, Manager Hong came rushing over.

“Hongyu, come with me in a bit. I just got a call from upstairs—they want you to be deputy station chief over there.”

“Ah?”

Hongyu was still in a daze when Lin Qi’s phone rang again.

It was Song Qingzhu.

Lin Qi picked up immediately.

“You’ve got quite the temper—why did you hang up so quickly?” Song Qingzhu sounded faintly resentful. “I really can’t meddle in other people’s business affairs, but since Hongyu and I have some personal connection, I made a few calls and pulled some strings. She’s been appointed deputy station chief now. Is that good enough for you?”

“Yes! Yes! Thank you, Ms. Song!” Lin Qi grinned from ear to ear.

He hadn’t expected Song Qingzhu to have such a sharp tongue but a soft heart.

“Don’t get too cocky…” Song Qingzhu chuckled lightly and hung up.

Lin Qi, beaming, turned to Hongyu. “Congratulations, Sister Yu!”

Hongyu understood what had happened and smiled in return. “I really owe you for this.”

The news spread quickly, and Da’an and the others gathered around.

“Looks like you’re not as heartless as I thought. You knew to lend Sister Yu a hand, otherwise I wouldn’t have let you off…” Da’an clenched his fist, his face fierce.

“Yes, yes, I’m terrified…” Lin Qi smiled helplessly, then lowered his voice, “Take good care of Sister Yu.”

“Do I need you to say that?” Da’an curled his lip. “With me around, who would dare bully her?”

Most of them thanked Lin Qi. Everyone liked Hongyu, but no one could help her.

Lin Qi had solved a major problem!

They chatted for a while longer; Lin Qi solemnly reminded them, “Go and do your best, don’t embarrass Sister Yu.”

Everyone promised they would.

They packed up their things and prepared to leave.

Knowing Hongyu and Lin Qi had things to say, the others moved aside of their own accord.

“Who knows when we’ll meet again. I wish you a bright future and ever-rising success,” Hongyu said with a gentle smile.

“Don’t say that. I’m fishing for three days and sunbathing for two—I might get fired any day. Then I’ll have to run to you for shelter,” Lin Qi laughed as well.

“You’d be more than welcome—” Hongyu spread her arms wide.

Lin Qi did the same, and the two embraced.

“Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Hongyu left.

Lin Qi remained where he was, gazing at the empty, desolate house. After three years here, he felt a pang of nostalgia.

But he had no time for sentimentality.

He had to keep moving forward!

Longyue Group, first-floor lobby.

“Feifei! Feifei!” Luo Yingying at the reception desk waved vigorously.

“What is it, sis? I’ve got tons of work…” Luo Feifei, holding a stack of files, walked over helplessly.

“Don’t rush—did you know Lin Qi and Song Qingzhu are together?” Luo Yingying grabbed her sister’s hand as if afraid she’d run away.

“How could that be?!” Luo Feifei’s eyes widened.

“Why not? I saw it with my own eyes…” With that, Luo Yingying recounted what happened the previous night, carefully omitting the bit about taking the Mercedes without permission.

Luo Feifei burst out laughing. “Sis, you’ve misunderstood. My brother-in-law is working as Song Qingzhu’s bodyguard now—he just told me last night…”

When Luo Yingying learned that Lin Qi’s monthly salary was fifty thousand, she was deeply envious!

She regretted divorcing too soon!

She knew she and Lin Qi were impossible now, but thankfully Luo Feifei still lived with him.

Luo Yingying squeezed her sister’s hand. “Feifei, even if nothing’s happening between them now, who knows what might happen in the future? That Song Qingzhu, she’s got the sly look of a fox—her every glance is seductive. She’s certainly no good, and they’re together every day. If something happens between them… you must keep him close. The hope of reviving our family rests on you!”

Luo Feifei pouted. “I’m not keeping anyone close. A man like him—it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up with anyone! If I get to be with him, it’s my fortune; if not, it’s my fate!”

With that, Luo Feifei turned and left.

“Ah…” Luo Yingying stamped her foot in frustration. “Hopeless—absolutely hopeless!”