After the two spoke a few more whispers, they finally hung up the phone.

As Ling Zhenfei walked back, He Lingxiu looked at him curiously and asked, "Who was that, Brother Afei? You looked very mysterious."

Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment whether he should explain things to He Lingxiu. After all, it would have to be done sooner or later, but he wasn't sure if He Lingxiu would understand.

He Lingxiu was sometimes very strong, but other times very fragile. However, for Ling Zhenfei, she was willing to do anything, even jump off a cliff.

Ling Zhenfei said, "Axiu, I want to tell you something, but I'm not sure what your thoughts are."

He Lingxiu nodded and said, "Brother Afei, just say whatever it is. I've been wanting you to talk to me. When we were kids, we used to talk about everything, but now you don't tell me anything, and it makes me feel like we've grown distant."

Ling Zhenfei and He Lingxiu had grown up together and were truly childhood friends. But now, with so many things happening, he couldn't explain everything to He Lingxiu due to the rent-free accommodations.

For example, relationship issues—people had always treated Ling Zhenfei and He Lingxiu as a couple. This was good, of course, if Ling Zhenfei were just another boy from the countryside.

If someone made the village beauty your wife, of course, you'd be willing. But things were different for Ling Zhenfei now. Because of his abilities, he moved in different circles.

The girls around Ling Zhenfei were all beautiful, and it wasn't just one girl. This kind of thing might be common online or in the city, but it wasn't as common in the countryside.

So previously, Ling Zhenfei had seen He Lingxiu as his sister. Being such close childhood friends made it harder to take any steps.

However, He Lingxiu was firm in her feelings for Ling Zhenfei. She even mentioned jumping off a cliff for him. Ling Zhenfei always remembered that moment when He Lingxiu laughed as she jumped off, having seen him at that instant.

For He Linxiu, seeing Ling Zhenfei in her final moments was enough. But the rental fee kept her alive. If He Lingxiu had died, Ling Zhenfei would never have found peace.

That time, at the bottom of the cliff, Ling Zhenfei and He Lingxiu talked for a long time. They hadn't spoken so much in a long time, and Ling Zhenfei was very clear with He Lingxiu.

He Lingxiu was also very clear with Ling Zhenfei. Her demands were low, and she didn't mind if Ling Zhenfei had other women around because in her heart, there was only Ling Zhenfei. Being by his side was enough.

At that time, He Lingxiu was a simple, pure girl from a small mountain village. But now, things were different. She had been out in the world for a while and had ventured into society a bit.

She was now highly regarded by others, and many more people had noticed her. Surely, there would be people trying to pursue He Lingxiu, using sweet words, flowers, and gifts that often cloud people's judgment in the city.

Especially for women, as long as there's money, anyone can be dazzled by cosmetics, brand-name bags, watches, cars, and villas.

This is the reality of society—when a poor young man and a rich man both pursue a woman, they both claim to truly love her. One can offer a life of material luxury, while the poor young man can only exchange sincerity.

The harsh reality is hard to accept for many, laid bare as it is.

But it really is important—money can win over a woman, but it can also win over another. There's no guarantee you'll be the last one.

So, Ling Zhenfei planned to talk to He Lingxiu. After all, there's no way out now, and some things need to be made clear to He Lingxiu.

Even though Ling Zhenfei and He Lingxiu were together now, their relationship wasn't well defined. Ling Zhenfei more often viewed He Lingxiu as his sister.

He Linxiu looked at Ling Zhenfei with sparkling eyes, as if anticipating what he would say next.

Ling Zhenfei said, "Axiu, have you realized the world is very cruel and dark?"

He Lingxiu nodded, half-understanding, and replied, "It seems a bit like that."

Ling Zhenfei knew that He Lingxiu still didn't get it entirely. It's normal for someone like her to be unclear.

Ling Zhenfei needed to explain to He Lingxiu, otherwise, she'd remain confused.

Ling Zhenfei said, "You know, you did nothing wrong in treating Du Zhongming's illness. The treatment was handled very well; it was his alcohol consumption during the New Year that led to his death."

He Lingxiu nodded and said, "You already told me this before."

Ling Zhenfei continued, "But now you know that Du Zhongming's family has been insistent—claiming we caused his death. Even his neighbors say that Du Zhongming was fine before and died after our treatment."

He Lingxiu was shocked and said, "How is that possible? At that time, Du Zhongming could barely move and had undergone various tests. Those reports can't lie, right?"

Ling Zhenfei replied, "Reports can't be faked, but they can disappear. I went to Tangcheng University Hospital and the previous Mingde Hospital, and all the reports from both places are gone. So there's no evidence."

He Lingxiu showed a surprised expression and said, "How could that be? Doesn't that mean we can't clear things up?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "That's why Du Zhongming's family is suing us. But it doesn't matter, their goal isn't really to win the case, just to tarnish my reputation."

He Lingxiu was surprised and said, "You mean their goal is to smear your name?"

Ling Zhenfei replied, "Exactly, so I need to talk to you about what's next. Some things might be hard for you to take, so I'm letting you know in advance."

He Lingxiu said, "Brother Afei, just say what you need to."

Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment and decided not to speak so directly at first. "Axiu, you've been out for a while now, and I've noticed changes in your lifestyle and dressing. I can see all that."

He Lingxiu looked at herself. She was dressed nicely, not overly fashionable, but at least not outdated and similar to city girls.

He Lingxiu felt a bit embarrassed and said, "I was afraid you'd dislike me."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Why would I? Your quiet elegance is what I like—simple and kind. It's perfect; please don't change."

He Lingxiu smiled and said, "As long as you like it."

Ling Zhenfei said, "You're so beautiful now and have a status—isn't there someone pursuing you?"

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