Chapter 12

Li Jichuan and Su Pu rode in silence.

Su Pu quietly observed Li Jichuan’s iron-blue expression.

Strangely, he could sense that both Li Jichuan and his grandfather wanted to be closer to each other.

But why is it that when the two of them were truly together, they kept pushing each other further away?

At that moment, Li Jichuan’s phone rang.

A low hum of voices came from the other end. Li Jichuan listened, his expression growing heavier with each word.

Even Su Pu couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety.

After a while, Li Jichuan adjusted his earpiece with one hand, rubbing the bridge of his nose with the other.

It was obvious—his patience was wearing thin.

“So, after all that explanation, you’re really just trying to tell me that at least 75% of the samples you collected are worthless as references…”

Li Jichuan’s brows furrowed deeply, displeasure clear in every line of his face.

“I hired you to work… not to make excuses. Save your energy and start preparing a new resume.”

The other side kept talking, but Su Pu only heard a low buzzing. Li Jichuan had already taken off his earpiece, forcing himself to reset his mind.

“Fine. By tomorrow, I want a concrete solution. If not, your team reports to HR Monday morning to prepare your resignation.”

The call ended. Li Jichuan pressed his eyes shut and leaned back against the headrest.

After a moment, he opened his eyes slowly.

The gaze beside him was too obvious, too warm.

He turned his head and caught sight of those round, pleading eyes, and couldn’t help but crack a small smile.

“What are you doing, looking at me like that?”

“Do you think I’m really as cold, heartless, and cruel as the rumors say?”

Li Jichuan muttered self-deprecatingly.

He was tired of hearing it. As a “top-tier” figure, controlling the fate of tens of thousands of employees, some criticism was inevitable, and some rules he had to enforce.

Li Peirong had already built a thriving empire for him—his mission was simple: continue the legacy.

It was a duty instilled in him since childhood.

Su Pu shook his head gently and reached out a hand.

Li Jichuan instinctively shrank back slightly, though barely noticeably.

Clearing his throat, he asked formally, “What?”

Su Pu curved his eyes into a soft smile and held one of Li Jichuan’s hands, gently massaging a few tension points.

This technique came from his mother’s time in the hospital, taught by a man at the bedside next door who massaged his wife daily.

Years later, Su Pu replicated it and now did the same for Li Jichuan—precise, gentle, and soothing.

Li Jichuan felt tingling across his scalp and closed his eyes subconsciously.

Then, reason returned, and a thought struck him.

Was the little mute being this attentive just to make him let his guard down, to manipulate him blindly?

Steeling himself, Li Jichuan withdrew his hand.

But the next second, Su Pu’s other hand was already holding it.

Really… exhausted.

Did he have to butter him up so much?

Why not just ask directly and trade fairly? After all, Su Pu had accompanied him to see his grandfather.

If Su Pu truly wanted him to attend a family event, he would agree without hesitation.

Yet Su Pu didn’t.

He continued massaging, carefully observing Li Jichuan as he worked.

It was as if he was gauging whether his pressure and technique were satisfactory.

“…Why be so humble?”

Li Jichuan wanted him to save his energy. Any request could be voiced openly.

But before he could say a word, fatigue hit. Darkness clouded his mind.

A long-lost drowsiness enveloped him, soft and natural.

When he woke again, the car had reached the apartment garage.

The engine was off, but the AC was still running, sending a gentle, cool breeze.

The driver had left. Only Li Jichuan and Su Pu remained side by side in the back seat.

He didn’t know how long he had slept, only that it was deep and fulfilling.

He couldn’t remember the last time he had experienced such restful sleep.

His mind felt clear, his lingering headache vanished.

And yet, his tiger’s mouth was still being massaged. Unconsciously, the gentle rhythm spread from the palm to the wrist and forearm.

Su Pu, like a little massage robot, tirelessly worked regardless of whether Li Jichuan was awake or aware.

“Cough… hmm.”

Li Jichuan felt a pang of unease, clearing his throat to remind Su Pu that he was awake.

If there was anything he wanted, now would be the perfect time to ask.

But Su Pu, hearing the movement, gently released his hand.

Then Su Pu hopped out of the car with a cheerful smile, took Li Jichuan’s wheelchair from the trunk, unfolded it, and set it beside the car.

Finally, he helped Li Jichuan down and made sure he was safely seated.

“The driver went home first; he hasn’t had dinner yet,” Su Pu explained, clarifying why only the two of them were left in the car.

“Let’s go home too.”

After Li Jichuan read the message, Su Pu put away his phone and pushed the wheelchair toward the elevator.

Suddenly, Li Jichuan pressed the brake, and Su Pu didn’t react in time.

The wheelchair wobbled for a moment; Su Pu’s body leaned toward him, then quickly shifted back.

Li Jichuan caught a faint whiff of fresh lemon.

Su Pu moved in front of the wheelchair, facing him with a puzzled look.

“You… don’t have anything to say to me?”

Li Jichuan felt completely awkward.

Su Pu thought for a moment and shook his head—he really didn’t.

“Is that so?” Li Jichuan stared at him for a while, then finally gave in. “Fine, let’s go home.”

Before Su Pu could circle around to push the wheelchair, Li Jichuan had already activated the controls and moved it forward half a meter.

“You don’t need to push my wheelchair from now on. It’s electric; it doesn’t take any effort,” he said coldly.

A few seconds later, he heard footsteps behind him—Su Pu had caught up, walking right beside the wheelchair.

Such thoughtless behavior irritated Li Jichuan; he hated when people clung so closely.

It felt cheap, careless.

Yet, the little mute seemed oblivious, playfully brushing against him now and then, his smile sweet as honey.

Tch, how could someone be so oblivious?

Not wanting him to push the wheelchair meant not wanting him close.

So why was he even closer now?

Li Jichuan pressed a hand to his forehead and steered the wheelchair into the elevator.

Su Pu stayed right there beside him all the way to the apartment.

Uncle Wang was waiting at the door. Seeing them arrive together, still sticking to each other like glue, he laughed heartily.

Li Jichuan’s face heated up at that smile; as soon as he entered the house, he left Su Pu behind.

“Mr. Li, dinner…” Uncle Wang called.

“I’m not eating,” Li Jichuan replied, rushing to the study without looking back. “I—I have a meeting later.”

Hmph, a velvet glove hiding an iron fist.

Li Jichuan shut himself in the study, still wary.

He had long since seen through Su Pu’s scheme: the little mute was just trying to show kindness, to lull him into a haze, leaving him incapable of rational thought.

The family party today was nothing—tomorrow could be something far more unreasonable.

Invite him to a party today, and by tomorrow, he might be signing over shares. Before he even realized it, half of the Li Corporation could bear Su’s name.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.

Hmph, foiled again by that sly little mute!