"You... you."
Cornelia looked at Su Cheng with disbelief, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of her chest.
Su Cheng had actually taken the initiative to explain her identity to her mother!
Why on earth would he do that?
Cornelia's mind was filled with confusion and bewilderment.
"Auntie, we're very good friends," Su Cheng said before hanging up the phone and handing it back to Cornelia. "Hurry up and eat. Your mom will be here soon to pick you up."
"Why did you take matters into your own hands?" Cornelia snapped, taking the phone with visible frustration.
"Is this something shameful? Besides, I was just telling the truth," Su Cheng replied with a shrug, his expression completely unbothered.
Looking at his innocent face, Cornelia stomped her foot in anger. "You—!"
"But now my mom definitely won’t let me come to your place anymore!"
Cornelia pointed an accusing finger at him, her voice trembling with fury.
As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears, a wave of unfairness washing over her.
She had been keeping this a secret from her family all along, yet Su Cheng hadn’t even considered her feelings.
They could’ve still sneaked around to hang out, but now that everything was out in the open, her mother would never let her near Su Cheng again.
Su Cheng watched her, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He shook his head and said, "Did you forget Ailiya is right beside your mom? Your mother might’ve already known you were at my place."
Cornelia froze at his words.
So, had Su Cheng revealed his address to reassure her mother?
Or was it a gesture of goodwill?
No—if Ailiya barged in with her mom in tow, it would be an absolute disaster!
By disclosing his identity and inviting them over, he had minimized the risk.
After all, people don’t hit someone who smiles at them.
Even if her mother showed up, it wouldn’t escalate into conflict—they might even exchange pleasantries!
The realization left Cornelia’s heart in turmoil. As she met his gaze, her pulse raced uncontrollably.
Of course—Su Cheng always thought steps ahead.
No!
Cornelia suddenly felt she couldn’t leave everything to Su Cheng. This was their problem to face together.
Today, she would show him—
There was a saying: "A single day apart calls for a fresh appraisal!"
Today, she would prove her resolve to fight against fate!
One small step today would lead to a giant leap for their future!
For their relationship to flourish without obstacles, she had to grow stronger.
Even though her confession had failed today, she had still grown stronger!
Failure made her stronger!
The thought lifted the weight in her chest.
But after racking her brain, she couldn’t come up with a solid plan. Finally, she looked at Su Cheng solemnly. "I want some water."
"In the fridge. Get it yourself."
Su Cheng jerked his thumb toward the kitchen.
Cornelia nodded and dashed off, returning with three cartons of walnut milk clutched to her chest.
"It’s cold. Want me to heat it up?" Su Cheng offered, seeing her haul.
"No, it’s fine."
Cornelia placed one carton on the table. "Keep this one here. Next time I come, warm it up for me!"
With that, she cracked open another and chugged it down in one go.
Once finished, she stood tall like a warrior heading into battle, her gaze steely as she declared, "I’ll go home myself. I won’t cause you any trouble!"
"But it’s raining outside!"
"Then I’ll take an umbrella!"
Cornelia marched to the balcony, grabbed an umbrella, and headed for the door. Just before stepping out, she paused and turned back to Su Cheng.
"I won’t let my mom meet you. You don’t have to worry—I’ll handle everything!"
"And don’t forget to warm up my milk for next time!"
Her words were firm, almost like a vow.
With that, Cornelia strode out, umbrella in one hand and drink in the other.
Su Cheng watched her leave, his brow furrowing slightly.
What was that all about?
Was she trying to avoid her mother meeting him?
But... it gave off the vibe of "warming milk to slay Hua Xiong."
The more he thought about it, the weirder it seemed, until he couldn’t help but chuckle.
Shaking his head, he went back to his meal. The idea of facing Cornelia’s mother was headache-inducing.
Now that the trouble was gone, he could enjoy some peace.
……………………
Rain pattered down, splashing against the pavement and casting a gloomy haze over the street.
Under her umbrella, Cornelia stood at the apartment entrance, watching a black sedan approach through the rain. She took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the walnut milk.
Soon, the car pulled up beside her, and the window rolled down to reveal the face of her mother in the driver's seat. She glanced around first before finally looking at Cornelia.
"Get in."
Cornelia's mother wore a stern expression as she spoke to her coldly.
"Okay."
Cornelia nodded and opened the car door.
Inside, only her cousin was present. Andrea waved her hand slightly, as if greeting her.
Ailiya wasn’t there.
The car started moving, gradually merging into the rain-soaked streets.
The downpour relentlessly pounded against the windshield, making the view outside clearer.
Peering through the glass, Cornelia realized they were heading toward Su Cheng’s home.
"Mom, where are we going?"
Cornelia mustered the courage to ask.
Her mother glanced at her through the rearview mirror.
Seeing her mother’s unblinking stare, Cornelia swallowed hard.
"What do you think?" her mother countered.
"Stop the car! This is my private matter!"
Cornelia turned her gaze away as she spoke.
"Private matter? Think carefully about whose name you bear!"
Cornelia’s mother slammed her hand on the horn, the deafening blare forcing Cornelia to cover her ears.
Still, she tried to maintain her composure before meeting her mother’s eyes again. "Mom! How could you do this? Have you ever considered how I feel? How am I supposed to face my friends after this!?"
"If you were in such a hurry, why didn’t you report it before getting close to him? Why didn’t you investigate his background!?"
Her mother’s tone was sharp and unyielding. "How old are you? Still dreaming like some commoner, gambling that the first person you meet is purely interested in friendship!?"
Cornelia stared at her mother for a long moment, her eyes reddening. "There’s nothing between us! We’re just friends!"
"Let me tell you one more time—in this society, once a relationship crosses that line, it’s no longer just about people. It becomes about property."
Just then, the car came to a stop. Her mother turned to face Cornelia, her voice softening slightly. "I don’t have to go in, but you must promise me one thing—don’t get too close to that Su Cheng again. He may be talented, but his kind of talent isn’t what your father expects."
"Fine."
Cornelia shook her head and clarified, "It’s not what you think. We’re just ordinary friends. Don’t bother him!"
Hearing this, her mother nodded in satisfaction. "You’re my daughter. Do you really think I don’t know your capabilities and temper?"
Cornelia lowered her head, silent.
Seeing her like this, her mother continued, "You’re too impulsive and can’t keep secrets. If I don’t discipline you, your father will notice something’s off as soon as he returns."
"You didn’t tell Dad?"
Cornelia looked up, surprised.
"Why would I?"
Her mother’s gaze was filled with resignation.
Cornelia muttered under her breath before asking, "So… you’re not going to hand Su Cheng a check to stay away from me, like in those dramas?"
Cornelia’s mother fell silent.
Beside them, Andrea’s expression turned odd.
Seeing this, Cornelia pressed, "You’re not, right?"
"Stop overthinking things."
Her mother sighed. "It’s just that your father is coming back soon. I don’t want him sending you back to England. So, can you promise me to keep your distance, at least until he leaves?"
"Huh?"
Cornelia’s eyes widened in shock.
"I’ve looked into Su Cheng recently. He may not have connections, but he’s capable."
A shrewd glint flashed in her mother’s eyes. "He just doesn’t meet your father’s expectations. But in my eyes, his future is bright."
Cornelia was stunned—this wasn’t the reaction she had anticipated.
"Mom, what are you saying?" she asked, confused.
"Don’t you get it? Auntie doesn’t oppose it. But Uncle won’t agree!" Andrea suddenly interjected.
Cornelia froze before turning to her in disbelief.
Soon after, they arrived home and stepped out of the car.
"Mysterious Masked Man."
Andrea abruptly dropped the name.
Cornelia’s eyes widened instantly. "The Mysterious Masked Man isn’t Su Cheng! I hired him from the dark web as a bodyguard!"
"Oh?"
Andrea smirked. "I see. That explains it…"
"I told you, it’s not him!"
Cornelia repeated firmly.
Andrea nodded. "I won’t spread rumors."
"Now, come tell me how you met him in the first place," her mother said.
Cornelia's mother pulled her daughter into the house and sat her down on the sofa, her gaze brimming with expectation.
Cornelia hesitated for a moment before briefly recounting her previous encounters with Su Cheng.
When she finished, her mother's expression shifted slightly, and she immediately said, "It seems he’s helped you many times. I hope you’ve shown him gratitude."
Cornelia pressed her lips together and shook her head.
"Avoid contacting him for now, understand?"
Cornelia nodded. "I understand."
Hearing this, her mother turned to her and said, "I’m not some narrow-minded or snobbish person, and I won’t stop you from making friends. But you need to remember—your father absolutely forbids you from continuing any association with that boy."
Cornelia’s face paled slightly at these words.
So, her father was the real obstacle.
What should she do?
Think fast!
Got it!
"Mom."
"Hmm?"
"Divorce Dad."
Cornelia’s outrageous suggestion made her mother’s expression darken instantly.
"Have you lost your mind?!"
She glared at Cornelia, looking utterly exasperated, before sighing deeply and rubbing her temples in frustration. "Now I see just how obsessed you are with that boy! To even suggest something so ridiculous!"
After taking a few deep breaths, her mother continued, "Never bring this up again! Focus on your studies instead of scheming like this!"
"You don’t understand! When you’re my age, you’ll realize how miserable I am right now!"
Cornelia raised her voice. "Dad will never agree! What am I supposed to do?"
But her mother simply stood up, torn between amusement and helplessness at her daughter’s words—proof that Cornelia had reached a dead end.
"Only by standing strong in this world can you change your fate and seize true love. Have you forgotten your childhood dream? This isn’t just about you. If Su Cheng truly cares for you, he’ll strive toward the same goal! Mutual effort—that’s the right way!"
With that, her mother turned and went upstairs.
Cornelia froze.
"Dream…?"
Forgotten memories came rushing back.
She suddenly recalled the day Su Cheng had stumbled upon her diary, where she’d written her dreams…
And the earnest words he’d spoken to her—
"As long as you hold onto this dream, I believe it’ll come true one day!"
"I’ll support you. Don’t you want to prove your parents wrong?"
"Next year, during the parent-teacher conference, declare your dream—to become Prime Minister. And I’ll announce mine: to make Cornelia Prime Minister!"
In her mind, Su Cheng’s passionate, resolute voice still echoed, each word striking her heart like a hammer.
Those unguarded words had laid bare his sincerity, cutting off all retreat—no more excuses for feelings that could no longer be hidden.
"My dream is: to make Cornelia Prime Minister!"
Such an embarrassing, cringe-worthy declaration—yet he’d said it outright!
And she hadn’t realized his true meaning back then.
She’d thought he was just teasing her!
But now…
It was undeniably a blazing confession!
A vow—their own unique way of entrusting their futures to each other.
Overwhelmed—
Cornelia clutched her chest.
Tears streamed down her face.
Only now did she finally understand.
What she’d dismissed as a joke back then…
Had actually been…
All of this had been part of his plan from the start. He’d seen right through to the heart of things.