Forbidden To Be Tempted

Bai Lu was dumbfounded.

"You don't know? Who was the one who was keen on becoming a manager some time ago? Are you still trying to quibble with me?" Jiang Yu grabbed her collar with one hand, and pulled her, making her unable to stand still.

While shaking her head, Bai Lu grabbed her hand, saying, "That was Mina's idea, she tricked me, it has nothing to do with me..."

"That means you did it."

"I…"

Jiang Yu pushed her violently.

Bai Lu took two steps back, her balance was unstable and she fell to the ground.

She raised her head, looked into Jiang Yu's cold eyes, and trembled uncontrollably. "I did it, but I was also deceived by Mina... She said doing this would help you, and I didn't think much..."

She finally understood that she had caused a catastrophe this time, and in a panic, she pushed everything to Mina's head.

A few days ago, when she received a call from Jiang Yu, she immediately informed Mina, communicating with each other and preparing in advance. Unexpectedly, the situation had already been exposed here, but Mina didn't mention a word, and even told her that everything was fine.

Damn Mina! How dare she trick her?

She cursed Mina in her heart.

"If you do it, you do it. Is there a difference between having a reason and not having a reason?" Jiang Yu sneered.

Bai Lu choked.

"I hate betrayal the most."

"Why? Why does it have to be you?"

Jiang Yu frowned, her shoulders were trembling with anger, and her eyes showed complex emotions; disappointment, anger, sarcasm... These days she kept falling into self-doubt, wondering if she had truly done wrong, if it was her fault. But no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't understand what she had done to deserve Bai Lu's betrayal.

In the early stages, right after signing the contract, she rented the best apartment for Bai Lu, secured endorsement deals, started with big brands, and got magazine covers—only the top three, no less. She accompanied Bai Lu to various social events, using her connections to pave the way for her. During the time Bai Lu was in Paris, she let her stay in her own house, rented an apartment downtown, and bought her a car for her convenience, so she could have two places to stay and go out to play anytime, anywhere...

Too many, too many to count.

Looking at the entire company, there are thousands of models at home and abroad, and no one else can enjoy Bai Lu's treatment.

If she hadn't spent a lot of thought and energy on Bai Lu, if she hadn't invested so much in these years, maybe she wouldn't be sad today, just like those ordinary models, coming and going without leaving a trace.

These are just material sacrifices. Spiritually, in her heart, she truly treated Bai Lu like a younger sister, caring for her as a mother cares for her child, worrying endlessly.

Benevolent to the utmost, and she felt she had nothing to regret.

"I..." Bai Lu was stung by her gaze, stumbled to her feet, and laughed wildly twice.

"Why? Isn't it because of you? Because I care about you, I want you to look at me more! Jiang Yu, have you forgotten what you said? You said that as long as I am obedient, you would provide everything for me, but what's the result?"

"I listened to you so much. I worked so hard to climb up to where I am today. In the end, I'm just a money-making tool in your hands. Have you looked at me?"

"When you need me to make money and be obedient, you're like coaxing a kitten or puppy. Tease it, pet it, and kick it aside when you don't need it. The money I earned for you gets used to nurture others, today for this person, tomorrow for that one, it increases every year..."

Her voice became louder and louder, and she almost shouted at the end.

Tears flowed from her red eyes.

When she was most frustrated and downcast, it was Jiang Yu who stretched out her hand and gave her a hand, and she regarded her as the only person in this world who was worthy of her life and death. But obviously, Jiang Yu didn't think so. Apart from her, she could reach out to anyone else—as long as she could make money, bring benefits, and create value.

She wasn't Jiang Yu's only one.

Like a joke.

"Jiang Yu, you must think you've treated me exceptionally well and have nothing to regret, right? No, you've deceived yourself, you've been moved by yourself. That's not goodness, that's investment. A businessman doesn't engage in losing deals. You've been good to me for your own benefit, investing in me."

"You are only for yourself." Bai Lu said these words fiercely with tears in her eyes.

Jiang Yu watched her go crazy with cold eyes, only feeling the chill pouring from her head to the soles of her feet, her whole body was stiff, and there was no more affection in her.

Even in the few minutes they met today felt like a waste of time.

"Since you think that way, so be it. You're right, I'm a businessman who doesn't engage in losing deals. I'll treat you like a cash cow, and kick you aside whenever I want. Now that I've made enough money and paved the way for new talents, I certainly won't keep someone who's lost their value and isn't obedient." She paused for a moment, a scornful smile curling up at the corner of her lips. "If you want to be my dog, you better obey."

These words were like adding a handful of salt to Bai Lu's festering wound.

Seeing her blood-stained face, Jiang Yu's heart ached, but she continued to say: "Regarding this matter, do you think you can get away with throwing the blame on Mina? You two are at odds with each other, and If she really wants to help you, she will tell you that something happened, and you would not have come back here stupidly. Although she has already transferred her assets overseas, she hasn't officially changed citizenship or resigned yet. There are still many things in China that can't be ignored. She probably didn't have time to handle it, so... she will come back sooner or later, and arresting her is just a matter of time."

"Before that, I have to deal with you first."

Bai Lu panicked, stepped forward to hold her hand, and begged in a low voice: "Sister Yu, I was really deceived by Mina, please don't send me away... I can help you find Mina, I know where she really is, she's still in the house in Paris where we stayed..."

Jiang Yu frowned in disgust, and withdrew her hand: "According to the terms of the contract, if you breach it, you need to compensate us for liquidated damages at ten times the contract amount. If you don't cooperate, we will see you in court."

What?

Bai Lu was stunned.

Just pay money? She thought Jiang Yu was going to send her to jail…

Jiang Yu seemed to have seen through her thoughts, slightly squinting her eyes, and said word by word, "Unless I squeeze the last drop of blood out of you, how can I solidify my reputation as an 'unscrupulous businessman'?"

She would have to pay money, and even go to jail.

"Sister Yu..." Bai Lu panicked completely, reaching out to grab her sleeve.

She just renewed her contract with the company last year and signed it for five years. Because her net worth has risen, the signing fee is several times that of the previous one, about seven million a year, and ten times that of seven million.

Although she has made a lot of money over the years, she has also developed a habit of being extravagant, and there is not much left in her account.

70 million wasn't something she could just earn immediately, and according to Jiang Yu's words, she not only had to pay...

Demanding money and making her "go in" could be considered extremely ruthless.

"I don't have that much money."

She cried and knelt.

"Your house and car, aren't they all money? I can squeeze out a bit from them. This is just in line with the image you have of me in your mind."

"Why do you want to kill me?"

Jiang Yu didn't want to talk nonsense with her anymore, so she turned around and picked up the landline by the table, and dialed the internal message: "Call the security guard up." Seeing that she was indifferent, Bai Lu gritted her teeth, and a look of resentment flashed in her eyes…

…

For a whole week, Jiang Yu was extremely busy cleaning up the mess.

After clarifying the misunderstanding and compensating for the loss, the partner finally no longer asked to terminate the contract but made stricter regulations on the future transportation process, and also gave her some face for the sake of her previous fame and status.

The lost market, the customers taken away, the compensation paid, the internal employees involved, and the money stolen by Mina, added up, this incident directly caused the company to lose more than 20 million yuan.

To fill this hole and avoid breaking the capital chain, Jiang Yu sold an overseas manor.

Economic wounds can still be healed, but psychological wounds are difficult to heal.

She lay at home for two days before barely regaining some energy.

Ever since she could remember, Jiang Yu had a hard time trusting others, even if the other party was her biological mother or a classmate with whom she had a good relationship. When she was a child, her parents didn't want her, so she didn't trust them anymore. Then, her classmates bullied her, and so she didn't trust them anymore. Later, the world of adults was full of thorns, and the glamorous circle was full of intrigues, and she didn't want to trust anyone anymore.

That way she didn't have to get hurt.

Later, she met her mentor, Tian Lin, Qi Yan, and Tongtong... She slowly opened her heart, because she knows that only sincerity can be exchanged for sincerity.

The person she is really sorry for is Cheng Suran.

Thinking of Ranran, Jiang Yu's cold heart softened again. Even if everyone betrays her, Ranran wouldn't. Just the thought of having someone like that by her side gave her a place for her heart to rest, a place where it wouldn't wander anymore.

In the afternoon, the sun streamed into the small balcony, and Jiang Yu embraced the clay model made by Cheng Suran, leaning leisurely on the chair to bask in the sun, drinking hot tea while waiting for WeChat messages.

Ranran has been away on business these past few days, busy during the day, and will take the initiative to chat with her at night, asking how things are going, she has nothing to hide and explains everything.

Counting the days, that person would be returning today.

Tongtong: [Will you go out to relax during the Spring Festival? My Mumu opened a homestay on Hexin Island*, let’s go play together for two days?]

*Heart Island

Jiang Yu: [And let me eat your dog food?]

Tongtong: [Idiot, don’t you know how to bring someone? For example…]

Jiang Yu: [Understood.]

Looking at the photos of the island and the homestay sent by Pei Chutong, the clear blue sea, sunny skies, and swaying coconut trees—Jiang Yu's mood instantly brightened. She felt it was a good idea to go and relax. And if Ranran could come with her, that would be even better.

At this time, she received a message from Cheng Suran.

"My Ranran": [I'm about to board the plane, let's talk later]

[Okay.]

After replying, Jiang Yu stared at the screen and thought for a moment, then swiped up with her fingertips, and clicked on the flight schedule sent by Cheng Suran last night. The trip is one and a half hours, taking off now, the landing will be about 4:20. She wants to see her.

She wants to see her first.

Her heart felt like it was being scratched by a cat's paw and bitten by a small bug. Unable to bear it any longer, Jiang Yu didn't hesitate, and she got up to change her clothes.

....

About fifty minutes later, Jiang Yu drove to the airport.

She parked the car first, took out her phone, and checked the time. It was 4:18, neither too early nor too late. She walked quickly toward the exit of the arrivals hall.

Quite a few people were waiting for arrivals.

Jiang Yu only wore a hat and no mask. Her height of nearly 1.8 meters made her quite conspicuous in the crowd, drawing the attention of those around her. As she got closer, she suddenly noticed a familiar figure by the railing.

Wen Ruoxian?

Why is she here?

Could it be...

Jiang Yu guessed seven or eight points, feeling a mix of emotions. She walked over with slow steps, lightly patting the person's shoulder and greeting her with a smile:

"Miss Wen."

Wen Ruoxian turned her head and was stunned: "Miss Jiang?"

"Picking someone up?"

"Mm."

"Ranran?"

"How do you know?"

"Coincidentally, me too." Jiang Yu lowered her voice, turned her eyes to the hall, and smiled slightly. Wen Ruoxian had an embarrassed expression on her face and didn't know what to say for a while.

The flight information was displayed on the big screen, and Cheng Suran's flight landed five minutes earlier, showing baggage carousel No. 3. Jiang Yu looked into the distance and muttered to herself: "She should be waiting for her luggage."

"Not really," Wen Ruoxian said with a gentle smile, "Ranran only brought a carry-on."

Jiang Yu: "..."

Not long after, a woman in a short white down jacket came over pushing a small pink suitcase. Jiang Yu recognized her at a glance and walked forward quickly: "Ranran—"

She reached out and took the small pink bag.

Cheng Suran was startled, stared at her for a while, and said in surprise: "You... why are you here?"

"Here to pick you up," Jiang Yu smiled.

"Ah?" Cheng Suran was dumbfounded, "But..." Turning her eyes, she saw Wen Ruoxian coming to her, and pointed at her, "I asked Ruoxian to come pick me up..."

Wen Ruoxian looked calm and gentle. She naturally placed a hand on Cheng Suran's shoulder and said, "Let's go, Ranran." Then she turned to Jiang Yu, smiling and nodding her head, extending her hand to take the bag. "I'll handle this."

Jiang Yu grabbed the handle of the suitcase and remained motionless, her eyes falling on Cheng Suran's face.

Wen Ruoxian was slightly taken aback and also looked at Cheng Suran.

"..."

Cheng Suran was caught in a dilemma.

Originally, the assistant was supposed to come to pick her up today, but she considered attending a dinner party with Ruoxian tonight, and Ruoxian happened to be free, so they had arranged to go directly from the airport to the restaurant. It seemed convenient.

From the beginning to the end, she never wanted to trouble Jiang Yu.

Knowing that Jiang Yu has been dealing with the company's mess recently, she is very busy and not in a good mood, she wants to wait for her to finish before going to her, but...

She didn't know what to do now.

It seemed like neither option was feasible.

People were coming and going at the exit, and the three of them stood still like this, attracting the attention of people around. Someone had already recognized Jiang Yu, pointing to their side and whispering.

Jiang Yu glanced at Wen Ruoxian, and Wen Ruoxian also looked at Jiang Yu.

Their eyes locked.

With no intention of giving in.

The air seemed to be filled with tasteless gunpowder smoke.

"I'll take a taxi myself," Cheng Suran decided not to let the situation drag on any longer. She came up with a compromise and was about to reach for her luggage.

At this moment, Jiang Yu suddenly realized that she had made things difficult for Cheng Suran. She let go of her hand weakly, and took another look at Wen Ruoxian, "I just remembered that I have something else to take care of. I need to leave now."

Cheng Suran: "?"

She turned her head to look at Wen Ruoxian, just in time to see the latter heaving a sigh of relief, and a thought flashed through her mind.

The same thought that had been lingering there, accompanied by a few sketches, became stronger with each passing moment.

"Then I'll go first."

Jiang Yu smiled, her gaze lingering on Cheng Suran's face for a moment, then turned and left.

Exiting the lobby and crossing the road, the car park was just across the road. Jiang Yu got into her car, and watched through the window at the exit of the lobby—Wen Ruoxian came out pushing the small suitcase, and Cheng Suran walked side by side without exchanging words.

Heading towards the other end of the parking lot.

Not long after, a black A6L drove slowly across the road and onto the overpass.

Jiang Yu looked away.

She came here impulsively, with irrefutable reasons, thinking about her childish behavior just now, it was funny and distressing. There seems to be a thin layer of window paper between her and Ranran, and no one is piercing it.

Their relationship has gotten closer, but that's all there is to it. Everything stops there, stagnant.

She wants more...

The phone vibrated, and Jiang Yu came back to her senses.

Ranran: [Ruoxian and I are going to a dinner party. She happened to have a day off today, so she picked me up on the way. We're going together.]

[I will go to your house for dinner next time.]

Jiang Yu pursed her lips and smiled, then replied: [Okay.]

Then she remembered something else and continued typing: [Are you free during the Spring Festival? Tongtong asked if we'd like to go to Hexin Island for a couple of days. Her partner opened a homestay there, the scenery is quite nice.]

....

The car has already got off the overpass.

Cheng Suran tilted her head against the car window, holding her phone: [I have no schedule, I will lie dead at home.] She couldn't help chuckling at the second half of the sentence.

Wen Ruoxian turned her head to look at her, seeing the pair of shallow dimples, couldn't help smiling, "What are you so happy about?"

Cheng Suran said while typing: "Jiang Yu asked me to go to Hexin Island to have a vacation during the Chinese New Year."

[It’s okay, anyway, there’s nothing to do, let’s relax.]

"Oh, doesn't she have to go home?" Wen Ruoxian asked casually.

Cheng Suran's fingertips froze.

Thinking of Jiang Yu's family situation, and thinking of the half-brother who threatened to strangle her if he didn't get money, Cheng Suran felt a shiver down her spine. She couldn't easily reveal this scar to others. So, she made up a lie: "She would be pressured about getting married if she goes back home, and it's quite annoying. That's why she usually doesn't go back."

Wen Ruoxian didn't doubt her, and nodded in agreement: "It's really annoying."

It's the same for her.

Since coming out to her family, her parents have been calling her twice a day and educating her on WeChat, which only made her feel endlessly frustrated, and she didn't want to go home or face them.

In an instant, a thought began to take shape, struggling fiercely within her. She tightly gripped the steering wheel, pretending to be nonchalant as she said, "I also don't want to go back this year. How about... we go on a trip together?"

Cheng Suran was taken aback for a moment, then looked up at her.

Turning left at the intersection ahead, Wen Ruoxian steered the steering wheel, not paying attention to the gaze from her side, but her heart hung in her throat with nervousness, beating wildly.

Even though she was well aware that this was a risky move, she found herself unable to control it.