Movie/TV series: Starting with Ode to Joy, I opened my own private kitchen.

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"I'm sorry, Ruoshan..." Su Chang said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Guan Xiaodi stood to the side, saying nothing. She knew that Su Chang's feelings must be very complicated at this moment.

“Xiao Di…” Su Chang suddenly turned to look at Guan Xiao Di, his eyes filled with barely suppressed anger.

"Hmm? What's up, boss?" Guan Xiaodi quickly responded.

"How's it going with your sister? When are the people she sent coming?" Su Chang's voice was cold and filled with murderous intent.

"She's already on the plane and will land in Lijiang in about an hour. Tianqi will pick her up later, so don't worry," Guan Xiaodi reported immediately.

Su Chang nodded, then glanced at Bi Ruoshan, who was lying on the hospital bed with a pale face and furrowed brows.

"Xiao Di, you stay here and take good care of Ruo Shan. I'm going to check on things over there..." he said in a deep voice.

Guan Xiaodi retorted, "Boss, I think you should stay here with Ruoshan. After what happened, if she wakes up and you're not there, I don't know what she'll do..."

Upon hearing Guan Xiaodi's words, Su Chang sighed and then said, "Alright then... Remember to contact Tianqi. I don't care what methods they use, you must punish me severely, strictly, and swiftly."

"Understood, boss." Guan Xiaodi replied and turned to contact Cui Tianqi.

The ward was silent, with only Bi Ruoshan's steady breathing and the sounds of the medical equipment echoing in the air.

Su Chang stood by the window, looking out at the scenery through the glass, but he had no mood to appreciate the rare beauty. His heart was full of worry, wondering how Bi Ruoshan would react when she woke up.

The smell of disinfectant filled the air in the hospital ward, and the white walls and sheets made the space feel particularly desolate.

Bi Ruoshan slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry. The bright fluorescent light overhead made her squint. She tried to raise her hand, only to find an IV line in her arm. A slight stinging pain brought her fully awake.

She looked around and realized she was lying in a hospital bed. Memories flooded back; she remembered everything that had happened last night—Chen Shanshan's seduction, the lewd smile of the middle-aged, overweight boss, the trap she almost fell into because she believed Chen Shanshan's lies, and... that drugged drink.

Her heart sank, and the scene that had happened between her and Su Chang in the car flashed through her mind. Her face instantly turned bright red, and shame and regret surged into her heart like a tide.

"How could I be so stupid..." Bi Ruoshan murmured softly, her voice choked with sobs.

She closed her eyes, trying to escape reality, but those scenes lingered, haunting her. She remembered that under the influence of the drugs, her consciousness was blurred, her body was out of control, and even... she had even acted of her own volition. Thinking of this, her heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, making it difficult to breathe.

Just then, she heard soft footsteps by the bedside. She opened her eyes abruptly and saw Su Chang standing by the bed, his back to her, seemingly tidying something.

His figure was tall and upright, wearing a simple white shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows, revealing his strong forearms. Bi Ruoshan's heart suddenly raced; she didn't know how to face him.

She tried to speak, but found her throat too dry to make a sound. She coughed softly, attempting to get Su Chang's attention. Sure enough, Su Chang heard the noise behind him and turned around. His gaze fell on Bi Ruoshan's face, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes.

"You're awake?" Su Chang's voice was low and gentle, tinged with weariness. He walked to the bedside, leaned down to look at her, his eyes filled with worry.

Bi Ruoshan opened her mouth, wanting to apologize, wanting to explain, but the words wouldn't come out. Her eyes gradually welled up with tears.

She lowered her head, unable to meet Su Chang's eyes, and said in a trembling voice, "Su Chang, I...I'm sorry, I..."

Su Chang paused for a moment, then understood what she meant. His gaze softened, he sighed softly, reached out and stroked her hair, and said gently, "Don't say anything, I know. How are you feeling now? Is anything bothering you?"

Hearing his gentle tone, Bi Ruoshan felt a surge of pent-up grievances and shame. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. She threw herself into Su Chang's arms, hugging his waist tightly, burying her face in his chest, and bursting into tears.

Su Chang was taken aback by her sudden action, but he quickly recovered, gently patted her back, and whispered to comfort her, "It's okay, it's okay, it's all over now. Don't cry, I'll always be by your side."

Bi Ruoshan's sobs gradually subsided, but she still clung tightly to Su Chang, as if only in this way could she find a sliver of security. Her tears soaked Su Chang's shirt, but he didn't care, simply continuing to gently stroke her hair and softly comfort her.

It took Bi Ruoshan quite a while to calm down.

She released Su Chang, wiped away her tears, and whispered with her head down, "I'm sorry, I... I really don't know what I was doing today. I never thought that woman could be so vicious, I... I almost..."

Su Chang interrupted her, gently took her hand, and said firmly, "Don't say anymore. Consider this a lesson for you. I've known for a long time that Chen Shanshan is no good. If I hadn't arrived in time today, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Fortunately, you're alright, that's the most important thing. Just remember this lesson for the future."

Bi Ruoshan looked up at Su Chang's eyes and found that there was no blame in his eyes, only full of concern and heartache.

A warm feeling welled up inside her, her nose stung, and she almost cried again. She bit her lip and whispered, "But...but what about us today...what...what kind of relationship do we have now?"

Su Chang sighed softly, reached out and cupped her face, and said seriously, "Ruoshan, although we have had that kind of relationship, and you could say that you have become my woman, I still want to say that if you continue to be willful, you may really not be suitable to stay by my side."

Hearing his words, Bi Ruoshan felt a surge of nervousness. She looked at Su Chang, her eyes filled with gratitude and dependence.

She whispered, "Su Chang, don't worry... I won't be willful anymore. As long as you don't abandon me, I'll always be by your side. Thank you for protecting me today, I..."

Su Chang smiled, gently ruffled her hair, and said, "Silly girl, as long as you don't leave me, I will never abandon you. Besides, you are the most important person to me. If I don't protect you, who will?"

Bi Ruoshan felt a warmth in her heart, and she finally smiled faintly. She leaned on Su Chang's shoulder and whispered, "Su Chang, I won't trust people so easily anymore. This incident made me realize the wickedness of many people's hearts. I... I'm really scared."

Su Chang gently hugged her and whispered, "Don't be afraid, I'm here. No matter what happens in the future, I will stay by your side and never let anyone hurt you again."

Bi Ruoshan nodded, feeling a sense of peace she had never felt before. She knew that Su Chang was genuinely good to her, someone she could rely on. She closed her eyes, feeling Su Chang's warm embrace, and the fear and unease in her heart gradually dissipated.

After a while, Su Chang gently released her and said, "You just woke up and you're still very weak. Rest for a bit. I'll go call the doctor to check you out. If everything's alright, let's go back to the hotel to rest so they won't worry."

Bi Ruoshan nodded and watched Su Chang leave the ward. Leaning against the headboard, she recalled everything that had happened last night, still feeling a lingering fear. But she also knew that she had to learn from this experience and not be so naive and trusting of others again.

Not long after, Su Chang brought in the doctor. The doctor gave Bi Ruoshan a simple examination and confirmed that there was nothing seriously wrong with her; she just needed to rest for a few days.

After the doctor left, Su Chang sat on the edge of the bed, gently took Bi Ruoshan's hand, and said, "The doctor said you can be discharged, but you still need to rest more. Let's go back to the hotel to rest. I'll stay with you for the next few days."

Bi Ruoshan nodded and said softly, "Okay, but no need. I'll just stay in the hotel by myself. Otherwise, what will my sisters think of me?"

Su Chang affectionately patted Bi Ruoshan's head and said, "Alright, let's talk about this later. Let's go back to the hotel first."

Su Chang helped her pack her things and supported her as she walked out of the ward. The two remained silent the whole way, but their hearts drew closer together.

Bi Ruoshan knew that although she had experienced this terrible ordeal, she had also seen through Su Chang's true feelings for her. She secretly resolved to cherish this relationship even more in the future and never let anyone ruin it.

As they stepped out of the hospital, sunlight bathed them, and Bi Ruoshan felt a surge of warmth. She looked up at the sky, her heart filled with hope. She knew that no matter what storms lay ahead, as long as Su Chang was by her side, she would have the courage to face anything.

Guan Xiaodi then pulled up in front of the two of them, and they got into the car, which then drove towards the hotel.

Chapter 329 Pleading for Mercy

Inside the hotel suite, soft lighting illuminated the spacious living room, and a subtle aromatherapy scent filled the air, creating a remarkably relaxing atmosphere.

Su Chang sat on the sofa, gently putting his arm around Bi Ruoshan's shoulder and pulling her into his embrace. Bi Ruoshan leaned against his chest, her eyes fixed on the television screen, but her mind was somewhat wandering.

The events of this morning kept flashing through her mind. Although Su Chang kept comforting her, she still felt a lingering fear.

A lighthearted romantic movie is playing on TV. The male and female leads meet on a romantic street in Paris, with soft and soothing background music.

Su Chang looked down at Bi Ruoshan and noticed that she seemed a little dazed. She gently squeezed her shoulder and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong? Still thinking about what happened this morning?"

Bi Ruoshan snapped out of her daze, forced a smile, and shook her head, saying, "No, I'm just a little tired."

Su Chang knew she still had lingering trauma, so she didn't press the matter further. Instead, she hugged her tighter and whispered, "Don't overthink it. I'm here. Don't go back to Shanghai for now. Why don't you come with us to clear your head?"

Bi Ruoshan nodded, feeling a warmth in her heart. She knew Su Chang genuinely cared about her and had been trying his best to help her relax. She leaned on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and tried to immerse herself in the atmosphere of the movie.

However, just then, a commotion suddenly broke the silence of the room.

Su Chang frowned immediately. He looked up and glanced towards the door, asking in a somewhat displeased tone, "Xiao Di, go see what's going on outside?"

Guan Xiaodi was sitting on a single sofa nearby, holding a cup of coffee. Upon hearing Su Chang's question, she immediately put down her cup, stood up, and said, "I'll go take a look."

She walked to the door, opened it, and found several people standing outside, the leader of whom was Yan Xiaoqiu.

Yan Xiaoqiu was wearing a simple white dress, her face showing a hint of anxiety. She was being blocked outside the door by two bodyguards.

Guan Xiaodi frowned and asked in a cold tone, "Miss Yan, shouldn't you be on a trip with the ladies? What brings you here?"

Upon seeing Guan Xiaodi, Yan Xiaoqiu immediately stepped forward and said earnestly, "Miss Guan, the ladies have gone out to play with Su Chu and the others. I'm here to see President Su. I have something very important to discuss with him. Could you please inform him?"

Guan Xiaodi glanced at her, already guessing her purpose. She said coldly, "The boss is busy right now and can't see guests. You can tell me what you need first, and I'll pass it on to the boss."

Yan Xiaoqiu looked somewhat embarrassed, but she didn't give up and insisted, "Ms. Guan, this matter is really important; it concerns Chen Shanshan. I know President Su has some misunderstandings about her, and I want to explain it to him personally."

Guan Xiaodi's face immediately darkened when she heard the name "Chen Shanshan".

She said coldly, "Ms. Yan, there's nothing more to discuss about Chen Shanshan's matter, and there's no misunderstanding. President Su doesn't want to hear anything about her, much less anyone pleading for her. Please leave."

Yan Xiaoqiu's face turned pale. She bit her lip and said in a low voice, "Miss Guan, I know Chen Shanshan did something wrong, but she is, after all, my own sister. I hope President Su can give her a chance, at least let her explain."

Guan Xiaodi sneered, her tone laced with sarcasm: "Miss Yan, you're far too naive. What Chen Shanshan did wasn't just a simple misunderstanding; she almost ruined Ruoshan's life. Do you think the boss will forgive her so easily?"

Yan Xiaoqiu was speechless after Guan Xiaodi's words and didn't know what to say for a moment.

She lowered her head, remained silent for a few seconds, then raised her head, her eyes filled with a pleading look: "Ms. Guan, I know this matter is very serious, but I still hope that President Su can give me a chance to talk to him in person."

Guan Xiaodi looked at her, feeling a pang of pity. She knew Yan Xiaoqiu was a kind girl, but she also understood Su Chang's attitude.

She sighed, her tone softening slightly: "Ms. Yan, I understand how you feel, but the boss has made it clear he doesn't want to see you. You should go back and not embarrass yourself."

Yan Xiaoqiu's face grew even paler, and a hint of disappointment and helplessness flashed in her eyes.

She lowered her head and said softly, "Alright, since President Su doesn't want to see me, then I won't bother you any longer. However, I still hope you can help me tell him that I will do my best to make amends for what happened with Chen Shanshan."

Guan Xiaodi nodded and said in a cold tone, "I will pass on the message."

Yan Xiaoqiu didn't say anything more and turned to leave. Guan Xiaodi closed the door, walked back to the living room, and found that Su Chang and Bi Ruoshan were both looking at her.

Su Chang's brows were still furrowed, and she asked in a somewhat displeased tone, "What exactly happened?"

Guan Xiaodi walked to the sofa, sat down, and said, "It's Yan Xiaoqiu. She's here to plead for Chen Shanshan."

Su Chang sneered, her tone tinged with disdain: "Shouldn't she be traveling with Guan Guan and the others? Why is she back now? However, there's nothing more to discuss about Chen Shanshan. I won't give her any more chances."

Guan Xiaodi thought for a moment, looked at Su Chang, and said softly, "Su Chang, actually... Yan Xiaoqiu is also a pitiful person. She knows nothing about what Chen Shanshan did, so it's better not to take it out on her."

Su Chang glanced at her and softened her tone: "Xiao Di, I know you're soft-hearted, but I'm not the kind of person who can't distinguish right from wrong. Yan Xiaoqiu is Yan Xiaoqiu, and Chen Shanshan is Chen Shanshan, but if she keeps harassing me because of Chen Shanshan, then don't blame me for being impolite."

Guan Xiaodi nodded and said nothing more. She knew Su Chang was right, but she still felt a little reluctant.

Bi Ruoshan leaned on Su Chang's shoulder and whispered, "Honey, I also think Yan Xiaoqiu is a good person. She shouldn't have been dragged into this."

Su Chang gently patted her shoulder and comforted her, "Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for Yan Xiaoqiu. But if she continues to plead for Chen Shanshan, then she'll have to bear the consequences."

Guan Xiaodi sat to the side, listening to Su Chang's words, her heart filled with complex emotions. She knew that Su Chang actually had feelings for Yan Xiaoqiu, but the Su Chang of today was no longer the person who would disregard everything for the person he liked. He had become more rational, and more ruthless.

She sighed and said, "President Su, actually Yan Xiaoqiu is very talented in jewelry design. Don't you still need her to design jewelry for you?"

·· ··Requesting flowers··· ········

Su Chang glanced at her and said coldly, "Xiao Di, do you think I absolutely need her design? There are plenty of design companies in Shanghai. As long as we're willing to spend the money, what kind of designer can't we find?"

Guan Xiaodi was speechless, momentarily at a loss for words. She knew Su Chang was telling the truth, but she still felt a pang of regret. Yan Xiaoqiu's design was indeed ingenious; it would be a shame to miss out on it.

Hearing their conversation, Bi Ruoshan was also somewhat moved. She looked up at Su Chang and said softly, "Su Chang, I've actually looked into Yan Xiaoqiu before. Her jewelry designs are really good. If we could collaborate with her, we might have unexpected gains."

Su Chang looked down at her and softened her tone: "Ruoshan, I know you're thinking of her, but we can't take this risk right now. Chen Shanshan's matter has already cost us a lot of energy, and I don't want to create any more trouble."

Bi Ruoshan nodded and said nothing more. She knew that Su Chang's decision was for her sake, so she didn't say anything more.

..... ..... ...

Yan Xiaoqiu stood in the corridor of the police station, clutching a thin visitation pass in her hand, her fingertips slightly cold. Her gaze fell through the glass window onto the small interrogation room across the street.