Chapter 342 - 342: Heartache

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation   Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Lu Zhao gazed at the petite woman in his arms as her tears glistened like pearls. His heart ached for her.

“I’m sorry, baby. I got here late and gave you a hard time,” Lu Zhao consoled her with heartfelt apologies.

Xiao Ting had a wide grin on his face. Since Luo Ying left, Lu Zhao had kept him on edge every day.

“How did you manage to find this place?” Amid her sobs, Luo Ying arched an eyebrow. Her voice quivered as she directed the question at Lu Zhao.

“The boss had folks secretly looking after you all. Didn’t reckon we’d still be a little late,” Xiao Ting chimed in from the side.

A glare from Lu Zhao silenced Xiao Ting immediately.

“l just wanted to settle things with those who bullied you, and then bring you back,” Lu Zhao pressed a gentle kiss to Luo Yings forehead.

She wiped away her tears. Her eyes were misty as she looked at him with a mix of sadness and grievance. “My good friend, Zhang Ruo, has been taken.

She’s in danger, and we have to rescue her.”

Lu Zhao nodded. “I’ve gathered some info. That pal of Lin Ping is a real no-good playboy. He’s the one who took Zhang Ruo. I’ve already set things up to rescue her.’

She hadn’t expected Lu Zhao to be privately working so diligently on resolving these matters. It brought a warm feeling to Luo Ying, prompting her to bury her head deeper.

“Well, I want to go too. I need to get Zhang Ruo out of there,” Luo Ying said. This whole affair had a certain measure of her responsibility in it. She should have seen through Lin Pings schemes sooner.

At this point, her main concern was ensuring Zhang Ruffs safety.

“Your body’s just started recovering. Don’t wear yourself out. The crew that Xiao Ting has put together is quite efficient,” Lu Zhao looked at Luo Ying with concern.

“No, if it were anyone else, I might reconsider, but for Zhang Ruo—she’s my best friend. I have to personally go and rescue her,” Luo Ying declared with determination.

Seeing he couldn’t persuade her, Lu Zhao sighed and turned to Xiao Ting to arrange for a comfortable business car to take him and Luo Ying over.

With a proud smile, Luo Ying nestled her head against Lu Zhao’s chest. “My husband is still the best.’

Xiao Ting squinted his eyes. He sensed he might be in the way here.

The car pulled over at a secluded spot.

“Why didn’t you keep driving?” Luo Ying asked.

“Sun Hao has already picked up Zhang Ruo. He’ll be here soon, so we’re waiting here,” Lu Zhao explained.

Sun Hao was Xiao Tings capable right-hand man. He was often assigned to the riskier missions.

Luo Ying nodded. Her mind was heavy with worry. Had that guy Chen Chen harmed Zhang Ruo? Was she hurt?

Luo Yings gaze fell upon an elegant box nearby. It was filled with Zhang Ruffs favorite snacks that she had specially prepared.

As she fretted within herself, a black Lincoln SUV parked across from their car.

Luo Yings heart leaped into her throat, and she quickly got out of the car.

Zhang Ruo emerged from the SUV.

In just two days, she seemed like a completely different person.

Her face was drawn. Her eyes were dim, and her clothes covered in dirt. Her gaunt face bore no expression.

“Ruo Ruo!” With a sob, Luo Ying called out to her.

Seeing Zhang Ruo in this state was heart-wrenching. She rushed forward to embrace her, only to be coldly pushed away.

Luo Ying stared in disbelief. She couldn’t fathom that this icy person before her was actually her best friend.

She attempted once more to approach Zhang Ruo.

“Ruo Ruo, what happened?” Luo Ying reached out to hold Zhang Ruffs hand, only for it to be brushed off again.

The sun’s glare made Zhang Ruo squint slightly.

“Luo Ying, it’s been nine years,” Zhang Ruo said coolly.

“What?” Luo Ying was puzzled by the sudden statement. She didn’t understand its significance.

“We’ve known each other for nine years. Throughout that time, I’ve always been the backdrop to your spotlight. In college, I liked a guy who pursued you but was turned down. You’ve always been the one who shines, the standout, while I’ve just walked beside you as a companion,” Zhang Ruo enunciated each word deliberately.

“Ruo Ruo…” Luo Ying looked at her with sorrow.

Zhang Ruo cast a scornful gaze at Luo Ying and continued, “I’ve never envied you. I’ve genuinely celebrated your achievements. But, Luo Ying, you can’t exploit my good nature to feel superior to me whenever you want. You can’t degrade and trample on me just because I’m easygoing..”