After I Was Gone, Mr. Song Said He Loved Me

Seeing the name “Mr. Nian,” I shot up from the bed.

Why would Nian Hua suddenly call me? The “Qingguang New Energy” project had long been handed over to the Development Department and had nothing to do with me anymore.

I glanced at the time; it was already past eleven at night. The phone was still vibrating. After a moment of hesitation, I decided to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Assistant Bai, I’m sorry to call you so late. I hope I’m not disturbing your rest,” Nian Hua apologized on the other end.

“Oh, no, I was just about to sleep. Is there something you need?” I replied politely.

Nian Hua hesitated on the other end, seemingly unsure of how to begin. I guessed it was probably about Song Yu.

“Mr. Nian, if there’s something you need to say, just go ahead. It’s fine.”

Nian Hua sighed lightly and said, “Song Yu and I had a fight. He hasn’t answered my calls for almost a week.”

This abrupt statement left me a bit at a loss for how to respond. Why was he telling me about their argument?

“So you… called me because…”

“You’re Song Yu’s personal public relations. I was hoping you could help me talk to him. It’s not that I don’t want to go to Europe with him for the New Year, but my grandmother’s health isn’t good. I want to spend more time with her.”

“I tried explaining to him, but he wouldn’t listen. He said I don’t care about him. Sigh…” Nian Hua sighed with grievance.

Hearing this, I finally understood. Wasn’t this just a roundabout way of saying Song Yu was hopelessly in love with him?

Tsk, it seemed Nian Hua saw me as a rival and was intentionally asserting his claim.

“This is a private matter between you and President Song. I’m not really in a position to say anything,” I replied, feigning difficulty.

“I know. I just hoped you could explain it to him when it’s convenient. Tell him I’ll be waiting for him at home in Hai City on the third day of the New Year, no matter if he’s calmed down or not. I’ll wait for him until he comes back.”

I almost instantly caught the key word: home.

My heart skipped a beat, unprepared.

They had a home together?

Song Yu had given Nian Hua a home that belonged to the two of them!

I had always suspected Song Yu’s feelings for Nian Hua, thinking he had ulterior motives and even feeling sorry for Nian Hua, believing his love was misplaced.

But when I heard Nian Hua use “home” to define his relationship with Song Yu, I suddenly realized that I was the pitiful fool.

I initially wanted to refuse Nian Hua directly, but then I thought he wanted me to pass on the message just to flaunt in front of me. If I didn’t agree, it would seem like I was jealous, which would play right into his hands.

After a quick consideration, I agreed, “Alright, I’ll find a chance to talk to President Song in the next couple of days.”

“Oh, thank you so much. You know, it’s hard to trouble Assistant Luo with this kind of personal matter. He’s a straight guy and doesn’t always speak tactfully. But you’re different. You’ve worked in a bar, you’re sweet-talking and persuasive. I’m sure you can make Yu understand me, right?”

I just wanted to ask if I could take back my agreement to help him.

Nian Hua was too cunning, playing both sides. He asked for my help while slyly mocking my previous job, getting the best of both worlds. And the worst part was, I foolishly agreed to help him.

“Do you need anything else?” I asked with a steady voice.

“Oh, there’s one more work-related thing. Could you please tell Yu that I’ll help him with the Tianhe Plan and to stop being mad at me?”

The Tianhe Plan? Wasn’t that the merger contract similar to a bet agreement I saw in Song Yu’s office before?

“I understand.” My voice was cold.

Nian Hua could tell I was in a bad mood, thanked me, and then hung up the phone. When I put my phone down, Song Yu had messaged me five minutes earlier, asking me to come to his room.

I hesitated, staring at my phone while my father’s snoring thundered in my ears. Unable to sleep, I got up, threw on a coat, and went to Song Yu’s place, as I had things to discuss with him as well.

I knocked on Song Yu’s door and soon heard footsteps approaching. The next second, the door swung open, and like a gust of wind, Song Yu pulled me inside.

Ah-

I gasped in surprise. By the time I came to my senses, Song Yu had already pressed me against the wall and covered my mouth, then made a shushing gesture.

I then realized we were at my house, and my parents must not hear the ambiguous sounds between Song Yu and me, or they would surely misunderstand. Although I had just received their forgiveness, it didn’t mean they would tolerate such activities in their home.

Seeing that I had calmed down, Song Yu finally let go of his hand, but his body still pressed against me without moving, his familiar cold fragrance continuously drifting into my nostrils.

My breathing grew more rapid, and my throat felt dry. It had been a long time since I had such close contact with Song Yu, and I was not used to it.

“Get up,” I urged in a low voice.

“Is your stomach feeling better?” Song Yu asked without moving, pressing against my forehead.

I wasn’t sure if it was the nervousness or the medicine taking effect, but my stomach didn’t hurt as much, at least it was bearable.

“It’s better,” I said, pushing him away with force, dodging to the side. “What did you want to see me for?”

Song Yu smiled, walked over to the table, and started playing with the anime character figurines that I had collected during school.

“It’s nothing, just that it’s my first time sleeping in your room and I’m too excited to sleep. Just wanted to chat for a while,” Song Yu said, picking up a character from One Piece and asked curiously, “What’s this? It’s pretty cool.”

I scoffed dismissively, “That’s Luffy. Isn’t he known by kids all around the world?”

As soon as the words left my mouth, I remembered that Song Yu was an orphan who grew up in an orphanage, where having enough to eat and wear was already a luxury, let alone watching anime. After growing up and struggling to make a name for himself in the business world, he had even less chance to enjoy leisurely entertainment like anime.

Song Yu didn’t get upset over my casual remark. Instead, he nodded in agreement, his expression somewhat regretful.

Because he really hadn’t seen it.

I felt a twinge of guilt and walked over to snatch the straw-hatted Luffy from Song Yu’s hand, saying, “If you’re done, I have something to discuss.”

Song Yu raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms with a smile. “Oh? What is it?”

I swallowed hard, speaking in a muffled voice, “Nian Hua called me.”

Song Yu nodded casually, his tone flat. “And?”

I blinked, momentarily thrown off by Song Yu’s indifference. Wasn’t he concerned about why Nian Hua would call me? Previously, he was worried Nian Hua might misunderstand when we left together, and despite my discomfort, I had to play along with him. Now, he seemed completely unconcerned. Remembering that incident made me grit my teeth in frustration; I hadn’t forgotten a single detail.

“He said he didn’t refuse to go to Europe with you because he wanted to spend more time with his grandmother. He asked you not to be upset and mentioned he’d be back in Hai City on the third day of the Lunar New Year to wait for you. He also said he’d help with the ‘Tianhe’ project.” I repeated Nian Hua’s words like a robot, emphasizing the word ‘home.’

Song Yu seemed to have anticipated Nian Hua’s message, showing little reaction, only curling his lips in disdain.

That subtle expression made me suspect the situation might not be as straightforward as Nian Hua claimed.

Song Yu always had his own plans and motives for everything he did, and given his perspective, he wouldn’t ignore Nian Hua just because Nian Hua spent New Year’s with Nian Hua’s grandmother instead of traveling with him.

So-

“Song Yu, did you… deliberately find a reasonable excuse to argue with Nian Hua so you could disappear and come to my place?”

Song Yu’s smile widened, and he let out a thoughtful sigh. “If only you could have this kind of insight elsewhere.”

Huh?

Did I really guess correctly?

Was he truly doing this on purpose?

“Why would you do that? Don’t tell me you suddenly had an emotional outburst and wanted to mediate my family issues.”

I would never believe that.

“Why not?” Song Yu approached me, his voice warm and charming. “I just wanted you to have a family reunion, not to be alone. Is that so hard to understand?”

I frowned, scrutinizing him, still feeling a bit skeptical.

Seeing my disbelief, Song Yu’s deep black eyes clouded with a hint of sadness. “Bai Yu, do you see me as a bad person?”

I scoffed, the answer was clear.

He reached out to brush my bangs aside, his voice low. “Don’t overthink it. I’m just human, an ordinary person. I have flaws and make mistakes. Who can be perfect all their life?”

“I know you miss your parents, so I used the New Year as an excuse to communicate with them in advance, trying to persuade them to accept you. What’s wrong with that? Aren’t you worth it?”

Song Yu’s barrage of questions left me speechless, unsure how to respond.

Had I really misunderstood him?

Song Yu looked at me, his tone suddenly serious, “Bai Yu, what I said to your father at the dinner table today wasn’t just empty flattery. In my heart, you truly are an exceptional person. Maybe you don’t realize it yourself, but you’ve genuinely brought me a lot of benefits and helped me in many ways. I’ve seen all of this.”

His words pierced my mind like a thorn, forcing me to recall the unbearable experiences of the past few months. It was because of these that the unexpected reward at the end of the year came about. In the end, it was all because I had value to him.

“Benefits again.” I looked up at Song Yu, my voice filled with disdain, “Song Yu, is it always about benefits for you? Are you good to people only because they can bring you benefits? What about Nian Hua? Is he just part of your calculations too?”

I was convinced Song Yu didn’t love Nian Hua. “You’ve given him a false impression, even using ‘family’ to deceive him. Why have you painstakingly arranged all this?”

“Song Yu, I really don’t understand. Your world is filled with benefits and calculations. Aren’t you tired? Or do you not even have a heart?”

I used to think people were simply good or bad, and even the worst had feelings. I couldn’t comprehend how someone could be so cold and indifferent, measuring everything by value, exploiting others to the fullest without considering their willingness.

Song Yu squinted slightly, his once gentle eyes suddenly turning into steel needles piercing through the lenses, making my spine shiver. Yet, I stood firm, not avoiding his gaze.

“I have no heart? I’m calculating?” Song Yu laughed bitterly, then suddenly grabbed my collar, pulling me close. His handsome face twisted with emotion, “Do you think I want to be like this? This world is survival of the fittest. Only the winners deserve to live. Being soft-hearted will only get you devoured, not even leaving bones.”

“I once loved, gave my heart sincerely, but what did I get in return? Cold words, betrayal, even when I begged on my knees, he didn’t show a shred of mercy, just because I had no money, couldn’t give him what he wanted.”

“Who cared for me then? Who comforted me? No one, not a single soul. They all waited to see the talented person from University P being trampled into the dirt, all thanks to Nian Hua!”

“Now that I have the power, I will give him everything he wants, and then take away everything he has, just like he took what I cherished most, including his freedom!”

Listening to Song Yu, I was stunned. Although I had suspected his feelings for Nian Hua were partly utilitarian, hearing him say it was shocking. Nian Hua was his first love. Upon meeting again, he thought not of reconciliation but of revenge, simply because Nian Hua had abandoned him before.

Moreover, he mentioned making Nian Hua “lose freedom.” Was he planning to imprison Nian Hua? No, that’s illegal detention. Song Yu, who cherishes his reputation, wouldn’t make such a basic mistake.

To make someone lose freedom legally… Could it be prison?

I was frightened by my own speculation. If it were true, then Song Yu was truly terrifying.

“So from the moment you met Nian Hua, you had already planned how to get back at him, right? You never really liked him; all of this was just an act, wasn’t it?”

“Yes!” Song Yu replied with a chilling smile.

His candidness sent a shiver down my spine, even a hint of fear.

If he could be so ruthless to a first love he once cherished, I could only imagine the fate awaiting someone like me, who constantly defied him.

“Song Yu, does everyone who ever hurt you have to meet a miserable end before you’re satisfied? After Lu, it’s Nian Hua, and after Nian Hua, will it be my turn? Huh?” I glared at him, my eyes red with anger, and said, “Song Yu, I truly regret knowing you, and even more so that I once liked you. Thinking about it now makes me sick.”

Suddenly, Song Yu’s grip on my collar shifted to my throat. Though he didn’t squeeze hard, the threat was palpable.

“Bai Yu, have I ever wronged you? Huh? Why do you look at me like they do?”

“Money, I gave you; a house, I gave you too. I’ve given you everything you wanted. What more do you want? Huh?”

His demeanor frightened me, and I swallowed hard, my shoulders trembling slightly. “What… what do you want?”

Without a word, Song Yu wrapped an arm around my waist, lifting me like a child and carrying me towards the bed.

“Song Yu, what are you doing? Put me down.” I pounded his shoulders with my fists, my legs kicking wildly, but I dared not make too much noise.

He threw me onto the bed with force. The bed was particularly hard, and I let out a cry of pain. Just as I tried to get up, Song Yu pressed me down by my waist.

“Song Yu, this is my home. Don’t… don’t do anything rash. Get off… let me go…” I struggled, trying to wriggle out from under him.

Ignoring my pleas, Song Yu began tugging at my pajamas. My mind blared with alarm, and I pleaded with a trembling voice, “Song Yu, don’t do this. My parents are still here. Let me go… let go…”

Through gritted teeth, he muttered, “You wanted to know your fate, right? Well, this is it.” With that, he lowered his head and bit my lip fiercely.

My eyes widened in shock, my mind seemingly split open by Song Yu, leaving me unable to think.

What was this?

What did this mean?

He told me his relationship with Nian Hua was fake, claimed he treated me well, yet he forcefully took possession of my body without offering a single word of genuine affection.

Though I didn’t need any promises, this push-and-pull was unbearable.

I didn’t want any more entanglements with him, being led by the nose.

With the last of my rationality, I bit down hard on Song Yu’s tongue, the metallic taste of blood spreading through our mouths.

He frowned slightly, giving me a moment to breathe.

But after a brief pause, he kissed me again, more fiercely and violently, as if he wanted to devour me whole.

I had seen Song Yu angry before, but never this irrational and reckless.

It reminded me of that time in the car. If he truly went through with it in this state, my fate would be worse than that day.

Fate!?

Ha, is this the fate Song Yu has in store for me?

Driven by sheer terror and humiliation, I slapped Song Yu without thinking.

Smack-

The sharp, piercing sound abruptly tore through our struggle, snapping Song Yu back to his senses. He froze, just staring at me.

His usually sharp and shrewd eyes were suddenly filled with a myriad of emotions-shock, bewilderment, even fear and confusion…

I wiped away the tears at the corners of my eyes, using all my strength to push Song Yu off and crawl out from under him. Without even putting on shoes, I dashed out of the room, my clothes disheveled.

I hated Song Yu.

I could deeply feel his obsessive and possessive madness towards me just now.

If it had been when we first met, or when I liked him the most, if he had shown me the slightest bit of tenderness, given me hope for us, things wouldn’t have ended up like this.

Now, affection had turned to dislike, passion to loathing, and nothing was possible anymore…