Cecilia Gu nodded right away. "What is it?"
"In a few days, I have to go to the Newport City branch and stay there for a while. There are some projects that need me to oversee." Max Mo explained, "Right now, Newport City is Yin Family territory. If anyone tries to block my paperwork, could you help pass a word for me?"
Cecilia Gu couldn't help but roll her eyes at Max Mo—something she rarely did. "Are you joking? You're the famous Max Mo, CEO! Everyone's eager to please you, who would dare block your paperwork? Relax, even if someone tries, I'll back you up and make sure they can't survive in Newport City! By the way, what kind of project are you working on this time?"
"I just signed a semi-charitable contract with the local government. It's mainly for disabled youth and middle-aged workers in the city, providing them with job opportunities. The main focus is on manufacturing wheelchairs and some high-end custom designs. You know how it is—many wealthy people have mobility issues when they get older, and they want luxury custom wheelchairs. I've already secured orders from over a dozen countries in Europe and America, specifically for personalized wheelchairs. Originally, I planned to set up the factory in Eastshire Province, but after discussing with a few mayors, I decided to put it in Newport City instead. Back in the day, my grandfather served as the military commander in Newport City. He always worried about the disabled retired veterans there, so since I took on this project, I wanted to look after them too."
"The Mo Family never forgets where we came from. Most of those folks aren't well-off—they've got elders to care for and kids to raise, and life is tough. Grandpa worries about them, so I took this on to put his mind at ease." Max Mo's pale blue eyes softened. Listening, Cecilia Gu felt a surge of admiration.
She’d always known her brother Max was just that outstanding, just that exceptional—one in a million.
When you’ve made it, you help the world.
He’s really done an incredible job. Truly impressive.
This kind of big-picture thinking about family and country—you just don’t see it every day.
"Newport City once settled over a thousand disabled retired veterans. It’s tough for them to work outside, but with proper training, they can handle these jobs just fine." Max Mo continued, "So really, I’m making money as a capitalist and doing charity at the same time. That’s why I call it a semi-charitable project."
Finally, she caught one of the servants who had just been attending to Max Mo and Cecilia. She quickly slid a bright green jade bracelet off her wrist and pressed it into the servant's hand. "I just want to know what they were talking about in the room. Trust me, I won't betray you. You saw it yourself—I look so much like the Yin Family's young mistress. I would never harm them; that would be like cutting off my own arm. Just tell me what they discussed in there, and this will be yours."
The servant had just started working at the Qu Family manor and had never seen such high-quality jade before, so he was instantly tempted.
He hesitated for a long time before saying, "Honestly, they didn't say much. Mr. Mo just mentioned opening a company in Newport City, dedicated to charity work. Then the young mistress said she wanted to invest too. That's all they talked about."
Snow Grace's eyes flashed quickly.
Charity? Newport City?
Suddenly, Snow Grace guessed what was going on. Her eyes lit up instantly.
If she could show how kind-hearted she was, maybe she could move Max Mo, right?
Snow Grace smiled with satisfaction and said to the servant, "The bracelet is yours."
The servant was overjoyed and thanked her profusely before leaving.
After Snow Grace left, she quickly found Mrs. Xue to discuss things. "Mom, I just got some important news—Max Mo is coming back to the country soon. He's decided to go to Newport City for charity work, and I have to go with him. If I show up enough times, I refuse to believe he'll stay indifferent to me!"
Mrs. Xue was very pleased with her daughter's sharpness. She said, "Then do what you think is best. I looked around tonight, and there were hardly any girls prettier than you. So what if they're beautiful? Only you look just like Cecilia Gu! Good girl, the future glory of our Xue family rests on your shoulders."
Snow Grace wore a proud expression. "Mom, don't worry, I won't give up so easily."
Mrs. Xue was filled with pride, feeling her daughter was the most distinguished person in the world.
After the banquet, many people wanted to meet Cecilia Gu, but she refused them all.
When Cecilia returned to her estate, she found Qu Zhengming already waiting in the courtyard, sipping tea.
"As the host, you ran off ahead of time." Cecilia walked over to Qu Zhengming. "That's not very professional."
Qu Zhengming smiled at Cecilia. "Tonight's banquet was just for show, really. As long as the guests are happy, it doesn't matter if the host is there or not. Actually, you and Mr. Mo were more popular than me tonight!"
"What, are you jealous?" Cecilia sat down across from Qu Zhengming, picked up her teacup, and teased him with a smile. "Is it because all the ladies tonight were interested in Max Mo and not you?"
Qu Zhengming looked helplessly at Cecilia.
"I might be a flirt, but I'm still picky." Qu Zhengming switched back to his playboy persona, his handsome face almost too misleading. "If you want me to be jealous, at least you have to be a beauty of your level."
Qu Zhengming half-joked, half-serious: "Those ordinary girls are just a burden for Max Mo."
Cecilia couldn't help but laugh. "You, you. So, why did you come to see me so late?"
Qu Zhengming's smile faded and he spoke seriously: "It's nothing, really. I heard you're leaving soon, so I wanted to say goodbye in advance. Next time, I might not be able to send you off so calmly."
Cecilia looked at Qu Zhengming.
Meeting Cecilia's clear gaze, Qu Zhengming's heart skipped a beat.
His acting was superb—no matter how fast his heart raced, his face showed nothing.
"You know, as the host, I have to see a lot of people off. I might not even get a chance to talk to you later." Qu Zhengming's voice carried a complex emotion: "Thank you for all your help these days. I don't really know what to say, so I wanted to chat while you still have time. Who knows when we'll meet again?"
Cecilia felt a wave of sadness in her heart. "You can always visit Newport City when you have time. I'll be there most of the time."
"Even then, we won't be able to chat this quietly." Qu Zhengming looked away, his eyes suddenly distant. He spoke softly, "Cecilia."
"Hmm?" Cecilia looked at him.
"What does it feel like to love someone?" Qu Zhengming's voice was a little dry.
"He might not be perfect. He could have plenty of flaws, but after you've seen him, you can't see anyone else." Cecilia answered calmly. "Why are you asking? Do you have someone you like?"
Qu Zhengming burst out laughing, using his laughter to cover up his feelings. "How could that be? Me, fall for someone so easily? I was just asking. Alright, I won't keep you up. Cecilia, remember, you have a friend in Malaysia. You must never forget that!"
"Okay." Cecilia smiled. "I'll always remember you as my friend."
Qu Zhengming's smile almost faltered.
"It's getting late. You should rest." Qu Zhengming stood up. Under the moonlight, his tall figure seemed even lonelier.
"Good night." Cecilia smiled as she saw him off.
"Good night." Qu Zhengming's voice was a little lower. He didn't dare linger, striding away quickly.
He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from confessing his feelings.
How could he dare?
He'd rather stay friends for life, keeping things safe and simple.
In that moment, he understood Max Mo.
So that's what his heart used to feel—so bitter, so painful.
But, it's just so helpless.
He showed up too late.
Far too late.
There's no more time.
They'll just be friends for life.
At least, no one in the world knew he ever lost control for a moment, ever had a sudden impulse.
At least, he could always smile and say he was Cecilia Gu's good friend.
See, what a perfect identity, what a perfect role.
For the next few decades, he'd keep living in that role, quietly staying by her side.
Someday, he'd get married, marry another woman, have a bunch of kids.
But that shadow would always be buried deep in his heart, for a very, very, very long time.
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