Chapter 466 - The Greedy Heart

In less than a weeks time, the big and enormous name of businessman Liu Chenmin collapsed into dust as if it was never into existence.

The whole B city was beyond astonished after learning about the man's sudden death, as well as the calamity he suffered in the hands of his many businesses. Even his illegal activities were revealed to the world.

The luxurious Jade Manor where the Liu father-daughter duo resided along with Zhang Lili was sealed permanently by the government authorities, including various other businesses of Liu Chenmin.

Thanks to Lucifer lending a helping hand, Zhang Lili was able to successfully inherit the only legal company under Liu Chenmin's name without any hitch. She'd be forever grateful for his kindness and timely assistance.

Soon after the inheritance was complete, Zhang Lili renamed the company's name from 'Liu Corporation' to her mother, Zhou Weiwei's name as 'Zhou Corporation'. Liu Chenmin's able assistant and manager, Mr Bai Yong became Zhang Lili's aide, confidant and her only friend in this world.

While the Liu family's dear daughter, Liu Li lost her senses and her mental condition worsened. She is currently undergoing treatment in a famous mental institution.

At Zhou Corporation.

Glancing at the television screen in her spacious cabin, Zhang Lili looked like a star, a diva in her business suit. The contented smile on her face was bright and finally reached her eyes making her look fresh, and youthful.

There was news about Zhang Lili inheriting the Zhou Corporation as well as other unimportant matters regarding the already perished Liu family like Liu Chenmin's death, Liu Li's pitiable state as well as Zhang Lili's complicated background on TV.

Some were singing her praises and calling her as the former No1 socialite, a virtuous and filial daughter and a capable, modern and independent woman. While others were doubtful of her abilities and calling her shameless, a vixen, a bitch and gold digger.

It was one great spectacle!

However, Zhang Lili didn't care.

She didn't give two hoots about the situation outside and only cared and visualized about her forthcoming bright future. Her face brimming with a newfound confidence.

Today is the day she's reborn!

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the glass door, and a slender woman in black and white office wear sauntered inside. She had a neat appearance and an amicable smile that was easy on the eyes.

"Ms Zhang.. Mr Bai is waiting for you in the conference room!"

With a curt a nod, Zhang Lili glanced at her beautiful secretary.

Stroking the old looking gold watch on her wrist, the only keepsake given by her mother, Zhang Lili strode through the doors.

- - -

At Lee Holdings office.

Leaning against his black office chair, the usually workaholic and busy to the bones Ethan Lee was in a state of trance. His thin lips were pursed in a line, his obsidian dark eyes hazy with a distant look on his godly handsome face.

The document in his hand was carelessly flipped open, fixed on it's first page from the past one hour or so. The black coffee on the table which was originally piping hot has now turned ice cold.

It's been a good few hours since Ethan Lee returned to B city, but there's still no news of his beloved girlfriend, Xia Ruo Lan.

He's been trying her number constantly and it's turned off. Even her personal assistant, Wang Fang's number is unreachable. He's been worried all night and is hoping for Xia Ruo Lan to be well and good.

'Where are you Ruo Lan?'

Sighing to himself, Ethan Lee closed the file and threw it on the table, the file almost missed from crashing onto the coffee cup. His gaze darted towards the shiny metallic phone on the side, his beautiful and long fingers itching to reach forward and grab it.

*knock*

Just as Ethan Lee was about to call Xia Ruo Lan's number for the Nth time, there was a knock on the door followed by the familiar face peeking inside.

The grim atmosphere inside made Assistant Chen's heart beat faster.

Staring at the cluttered desk across him, the poor man felt his soul flying away and muttered a silent curse.

Lifting his eyelids, Ethan Lee glimpsed at his cowardly assistant standing at the door before getting back to his files. He was too lazy to even spare the man another glance.

Taking a deep breath, Assistant Chen pasted a smile on his face ridden with anxiousness. His voice almost cracking under pressure.

"CEO, there's a package addressed for you. And it's from Ms Xia.."

Perking his ears, Ethan Lee was eager as he waited for the surprise package but all he got was silence. His stupid assistant was standing like a fool and waiting for his permission.

At his wits end, Ethan Lee glared at the man opposite. His voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Then what are you waiting for Mr Chen? An invitation?!"

Jolting at the question, Assistant Chen shook his head and scurried inside like a lamb freed from being slaughtered.

"Ah! No.. Here, here it is.."

The bespectacled man was holding a bright red envelope, it had a white ribbon around it which made it look extra special and cute.

Ethan Lee's heart almost leapt outside his mouth at the sight of the cutely decorated envelope. His fervent gaze locked on it.

After dropping the package, the assistant quickly made his escape and heaved a sigh, once out of the doors.

Picking up the bright red envelope which ha little white hearts and a white ribbon, Ethan Lee slowly and carefully undid the ribbon with a goofy smile. His fingers grazed the silk like texture of ribbon, still smiling.

Inside was a spotless white sheet of paper, on it was his darling girlfriend, Xia Ruo Lan's beautiful and elegant handwriting. Each stroke akin to a kitten's little claw scratching his heart.

A sweet fuzzy feeling rose inside Ethan Lee's chest.

'Idiot Lee!

By the time you'll recieve this letter, I'll be far, far away from you, and your life..'

"Wha.. What? Why!"

Reading the first two lines of the letter, Ethan Lee shot up from his seat like an arrow, perplexed. A frown coloring his forehead.

'Do you know why I call you Idiot Lee, hmm?

It's not because you're an idiot, it's because you're.. My idiot! Heh..

I know, I know that I'm not in your heart and you don't love me. I don't expect you to too. It's just, my heart is greedy, I'm greedy!

And I can't stand not being your priority, you, who has always been my first priority, my first love, my first heartbreak, my first kiss.. All my firsts!

If at all we meet again.. I hope that I'll be in your heart, Ethan Lee!

Our date is due.. Don't worry, I'll remember to dress up pretty for you!

Only yours - Xia Ruo Lan'

Feeling disheartened at the unexpected and sudden parting, Ethan Lee's heart ached as though soaked in a pail full of acid. It was so deep, it stung his soul.

Reading the letter, his fingers shuddered uncontrollably, with each word his breath slackened and he fell limply on the chair.

"Why?! Ruo Lan.. I, I really loved you.. Ruo Lan, come back to me.. Please! Come back Ruo Lan!"

His dark pools reddened with what seemed like tears of pain, betrayal, and most importantly loss.

He had lost her, lost her heart, lost a piece of himself!

The emptiness Ethan Lee felt slowly engulfed his entire being like the black hole until nothing was left.