The CEO's Courtship Diary

Another autumn arrives, with a gentle breeze caressing the surface of the lake, creating layers of ripples that gleam brilliantly under the radiant sun. Yinqi Qing stands by the lakeside, indulging in the rich autumn breeze. With half-closed eyes, she gazes at the lake, her cool face adorned with a faint smile. She adores autumn, for it brings her joy. Whenever winter approaches, she wishes for time to pass quickly, for winter marks the beginning of her nightmares.

"Suddenly, the phrase 'the journey began' carries a warm atmosphere. If applied to us, wouldn't it be cleverly evocative? I never imagined things would unfold like this, with strangers barging into one's life..." Yinqi Qing's enjoyment is interrupted by the ringing of her phone. She retrieves her phone and glares at it.

"Hello, Qiao qiao, what's up?"

"Qing'er, where are you? Xiaoxue is sick today, and Chen Mama needs to take care of the child, so I have to take her to see a doctor. Could you handle the café today?" Song Zhiqiao's tone sounds as if she's burdening Yinqi Qing, but she knows Yinqi Qing will surely agree.

"Alright, don't worry." Yinqi Qing reassures. "Just remember to tell me what's wrong with Xiaoxue. And make sure to come early tonight. Does your friend Pei Yun know how to get there?"

"Uh... Qing'er, how do you know I'm taking Xiaoxue to see a doctor? I'm supposed to go on a date with Yun later." Song Zhiqiao looks puzzled and a little embarrassed.

"I don't know. You just said it yourself. Anyway, you can't bail out tonight. You must come, or else you know the consequences! Alright, I won't nag anymore. Hurry and take Xiaoxue to the doctor!" Yinqi Qing hangs up, smiling at her phone. "This fair-weather friend of yours won't have it easy with me! She doesn't know why, but she only smiles when talking to Song Zhiqiao!"

As Yinqi Qing arrives at the entrance of "Autumn Love", she reminisces about the early days of opening the café. She and Qiao qiao worked hard to save money, and it was not easy to establish this café. She was genuinely happy back then, the first genuine joy since that incident! Because Qiao qiao knew she loved autumn and autumn breeze, she named the café "Autumn Love". They decorated it together, resembling autumn, with the hammock ropes matching the color of maple leaves, adorned with maple leaves. There's a bar counter, and the walls are decorated with Qiao qiao's paintings. This café is famous in T City, not just for its coffee but also for its ambiance and name, which warmly welcomes everyone who steps inside.

As Yinqi Qing enters, she hears a commotion and the sound of a girl crying. She looks towards table 12, where the noise is coming from, and furrows her brow. She heads to the changing room to put on the attire representing "Autumn Love". Afterward, she points to the source of the crying and asks Xiao Gang, who is wiping the bar, "Xiao Gang, what's happening over there?"

"Miss Qing, you're here. That big shot over there ordered hot coffee, but we served cold coffee instead. However, he let it cool down himself while he was on the phone. Just as Maya was passing by with another coffee, he stopped her, and then..." Xiao Gang glares fiercely at the big shot, expressing his dislike.

"Ah, I see." Yinqi Qing nods and walks over to table 12, thinking to herself, "Maya is such a timid girl. She cries at the slightest provocation. But isn't this big shot a bit unreasonable?"

It hasn't been long since Leng Haoyu returned from abroad, planning to establish the headquarters of his company in T City. His friend invited him for coffee today, and he had heard about this café. He intended to visit upon his return but didn't expect his friend to cancel last minute, citing his girlfriend's sudden illness. He smiled inwardly, "I didn't expect him to falter. Haven't I fallen for it before? But all I got was empty excitement!"

Initially cold-hearted, thinking about these events stirred ripples in Leng Haoyu's eyes, like a calm lake suddenly stirred. He casually picks up his coffee and sips, bitterness accumulating within him, merging with the bitterness of the coffee. What started as mere ripples turned into turbulent currents. Just then, a waitress passes by, becoming the scapegoat.

Approaching table 12, Yinqi Qing hears the clink of the coffee cup against the saucer and a deep, magnetic voice saying, "What are you crying for?"

Leng Haoyu's behavior disgusts Yinqi Qing even more. She approaches Maya calmly and instructs, "Maya, go attend to other tasks. I'll handle this."

"Qing'er..." Maya is choked with emotion, unable to speak. Upon hearing Yinqi Qing's instruction, she leaves.

"Hello, sir. I'm the manager of 'Autumn Love'. May I inquire about your dissatisfaction?" Yinqi Qing asks coldly, her eyes fixed on Leng Haoyu.

"There are plenty of dissatisfactions. I asked for hot coffee, not cold. It's awful. And the service is terrible!" Leng Haoyu vents his frustration.

"I see. However, I heard that you let the coffee cool while attending to other matters. We should have reheated it promptly. That's our mistake, and I apologize. Next time, we'll improve. Regarding the service, our waitress was in tears because of your words. She was wrong to do so. Regardless of what customers say, we shouldn't cry in front of them. Please forgive us for that as well. I'm sure your next visit will be different." Yinqi Qing's words seem to acknowledge their faults, but she shifts all responsibility onto Leng Haoyu.

"You..." Leng Haoyu is rendered speechless. He's usually patient in public, but he's at a loss in front of Yinqi Qing.

"Sir, if the coffee doesn't meet your expectations, please don't take it out on the cup. I believe you won't drink it anymore. So, could you settle the bill? Thank you." Yinqi Qing takes the opportunity to press on before Leng Haoyu can respond.

"You..." He lifts his hand to speak, but no words come out. He's taken aback by her assertiveness.

"Sir, please settle the bill. Thank you."

Leng Haoyu realizes his mistake upon looking at Yinqi Qing and hearing her voice. He mistook her for someone else. Yet, her large watery eyes are indeed captivating. Yielding to Yinqi Qing's insistence, he takes out his wallet and leaves some bills on the table before hastily exiting "Autumn Love".

Watching Leng Haoyu's retreating figure, Yinqi Qing chuckles to herself. Though customers are like gods, some gods are better avoided. With a face that could mesmerize young girls

, his character leaves much to be desired. But aren't most men like this nowadays? Except for Qiao qiao's companion, that is. Yinqi Qing tidies up table 12 and leaves.

Outside, Leng Haoyu, still fuming, kicks his car numerous times. Despite his stoic expression, he attracts quite a few female onlookers. Observing the crowd, Leng Haoyu raises an eyebrow, feeling slightly better. Driving away, he ponders why he couldn't find his words in front of that supposed manager. Why did he lose control? Was it because his charm had diminished? No, it must be because of her large, watery eyes. It couldn't be because his charm had faded!

Xiao Gang comforts Maya, "Don't mind such arrogant people, especially those who think they're handsome and rich. Qing'er is sensible; she won't blame you! Otherwise, she wouldn't have helped you. You know Qing'er's personality, cold on the outside but warm on the inside! Usually, Qiao qiao handles these situations, but this time it's Qing'er. Even though Qiao qiao isn't here, it shows how much she cares about us! Don't be upset."

"I know, Xiao Gang. But, you know what? This person is quite famous in the business world. That's why I didn't retort. I was afraid it would bring bad luck to 'Autumn Love'! But considering the current situation..." Maya nervously fidgets with her clothes, her face filled with worry and fear.

"Maya, you silly girl, no matter what, you shouldn't let yourself be so wronged. I hired you to work, not to be mistreated! Don't worry, I'll handle that guy for you. As for your next question, remember, if anyone dares to touch Qiao qiao's 'Autumn Love', Pei Yun won't go easy on them!" Xiao Gang scolds with concern, treating Yinqi Qing and Qiao qiao like siblings. When they're upset, he's even angrier than they are.

"Suddenly, the phrase 'the journey began' carries a warm atmosphere..." The phone interrupts their conversation.

"Hello, Qiao qiao, how's Xiaoxue?"

"Hey, Qing'er, you don't care about me at all! You're only concerned about Xiaoxue. Don't worry; Xiaoxue just has a cold, nothing else. By the way, I'll be back at the café soon!"

"Qiao qiao, I was just teasing you. Go ahead and enjoy your date. Leave the café to me. I won't let Pei Yun's intimidating gaze scare me!" Yinqi Qing replies with a playful smile.

This smile leaves Xiao Gang and Maya dumbfounded because they know Yinqi Qing doesn't usually smile. It's the first time they've seen her smile since coming to "Autumn Love". Normally, her face is cold. They love Yinqi Qing's smile because it looks so sunny and adorable! They never dare to ask why she doesn't like to smile!

"Is that so? You don't have to. I'll handle it for now. When it gets colder, I'll hand it over to you, alright?" Song Zhiqiao asks, concerned.

"Okay, then. Thanks, Qiao qiao." Yinqi Qing's smile disappears instantly upon hearing that Song Zhiqiao will be back in a while. She clenches the phone, thinking that winter is coming soon.

"Why are you saying these things? You're so stubborn. I'll be there soon. Bye." Yinqi Qing hangs up and sits next to a tree outside "Autumn Love", gazing absentmindedly at the stars above.

Yinqi Qing gazed absently at the stars in the sky, reminiscent of another day, but now the world has changed.

"Father, Mother, look at the stars in the sky, they are so beautiful! Twinkling like fireflies!" Seven-year-old Yinqi Qing's face lit up with a radiant smile as she pointed to the stars, her eyes brimming with joy.

"My dear, come here to Daddy! The stars in the sky are indeed beautiful, but my darling's eyes are even more dazzling, like my wife's, containing a galaxy!" Yinqi Jieqi spoke with paternal warmth, pulling his daughter closer and placing her on his lap, adoringly watching her.

"Daddy, is what you said true? Mommy, Daddy said my eyes are the most beautiful, just like yours!" The innocent and adorable Yinqi Qing, hearing her father's praise, felt no shyness. And her mother blushed like an apple beside them!

"Yes, my Qing'er is the most beautiful, the most adorable, and the happiest girl in the world." A picture of happiness and harmony, yet beneath it lay an unsettling aura.

"Qing'er, what are you thinking? I've been calling you for so long, and you haven't responded!" Song Zhiqiao watched Yinqi Qing gazing thoughtfully at the sky, her eyes filled with happiness.

"Qiao qiao, you scared me! I wasn't thinking about anything, just looking at the stars! You arrived so quickly, courtesy of Mr. Pei!" Yinqi Qing stood up from her chair, startled by Song Zhiqiao's sudden appearance, pointing behind her.

"Uh... Qing'er, you... By the way, is everything okay at the cafe today? Then you should head back first, I'll take over here!" Though not the first time Yinqi Qing had teased her, Song Zhiqiao still blushed.

"I understand. I won't disturb you two. A rather arrogant man showed up at the cafe today, apparently some sort of CEO. He forgot the time while on the phone, letting his coffee get cold, and poor Maya got scolded. But rest assured, as one of the managers of 'Autumn Love', I handled it. However, if there are any issues later, I might have to trouble your Mr. Pei, as I seem to have offended him!" Yinqi Qing calmly reported the situation as if it were of little consequence to her.

"Uh... Qing'er, you wouldn't have resorted to violence, would you?" Song Zhiqiao swallowed nervously, her face showing sorrow for the CEO, knowing that Yinqi Qing was a third-generation black belt in Taekwondo!

"Qiao qiao, what are you thinking? I didn't lay a hand on him; he wasn't worthy of it, being so conceited!" Yinqi Qing affectionately offered Song Zhiqiao some candied chestnuts, urging her not to overthink.

"Uh, Qing'er, it hurts! Yun, where were you? You didn't even intervene, and you said you'd protect me!" Song Zhiqiao pouted, glaring at Pei Yun.

"Qiao qiao, didn't you say I shouldn't interfere when you and Qing'er are arguing? Did I do something wrong again? Besides, if it hurts you, it hurts me more in my heart..." Pei Yun looked at Song Zhiqiao with a helpless expression, his unfinished words silenced by her glare.

"Hey, you two, is this the right place for romance?" Yinqi Qing pressed her temples, pointing at herself innocently.

"It's all your fault, Yun. Take Qing'er home!" Song Zhiqiao blushed like an apple, nudging Pei Yun's stomach with her elbow!

"Qiao qiao, can't you be a little gentler with me? It hurts a lot, you know. Besides, you're a third-generation black belt in Taekwondo!" Pei Yun kindly reminded Song Zhiqiao, earning him an eye-roll.

"Qiao qiao, I don't need Yun to take me home. Anyway, my house isn't far from here! Remember to tell Maya and the others that I'm leaving. Bye-bye, I don't want to be a third wheel anymore!" Yinqi Qing said before running off.

"Qiao qiao, why are you so gentle with Qing'er but..." Pei Yun hugged Song Zhiqiao's shoulder, puzzled.

"How do you want me to treat you? During this time, I've been responsible for closing the cafe, which means you have to come help me at night, no excuses!" Song Zhiqiao looked at Pei Yun with innocent, pleading eyes.

"Qiao qiao, why is it always you during this time?"

"Qing'er loves autumn, so I let her spend more time outside. Only in autumn can she sleep most peacefully, feeling safer at home. Soon it will be winter, and that's when she'll take charge. I know what you're going to ask. Winter is Qing'er's 'nightmare', an injury she can never heal from in this lifetime!" Song Zhiqiao tightly held Pei Yun's hand.

Pei Yun looked at Song Zhiqiao with a mix of sadness and tenderness, feeling her grip tighten on his hand. He dared not ask further!

Simple-minded Yinqi Qing prefers a simple home decor: a bed, a wardrobe, a computer! For her, it's just a place to rest, never feeling the warmth. Therefore, she rarely stays in this 'resting place', spending most of her time at "Autumn Love", the orphanage, or the Taekwondo gym!

Yinqi Qing, accustomed to making a cup of coffee when she returns home, then takes a shower. She enjoys wearing oversized pajamas with cartoon characters while drinking coffee! She knows coffee is for alertness; she just hopes not to fall asleep, fearing that she'll see that scene, that bloodcurdling night!

But today, she seems genuinely tired and falls asleep as soon as she lies down.

Lying in bed, Yinqi Qing gradually enters the realm of dreams! A crimson maple forest catches her eye, and she runs towards it, laughing joyfully, picking up maple leaves from the ground! But this maple forest suddenly turns into her home in an instant!

Yinqi Qing tightly clutches the blanket, cold sweat on her forehead. She shakes her head, trying to scream but unable to make a sound! She feels her heart ache, her body curling up in discomfort!

Yinqi Qing looks around in panic, everything unchanged, just like that bloody night! She weakly leans against the wall, a look of helplessness on her face, her fists clenched, nails sinking into her palms, staring at the window and shouting, "No, no..."

In her dream, Yinqi Qing witnessed her ethereal mother slowly approaching the window, her lithe figure pausing abruptly. With a deliberate motion, her slender form pivoted, revealing a countenance as pallid as paper, devoid of the slightest hint of color. She lowered herself slowly, her voice trembling as she reached out to the seven-year-old Yinqi Qing, saying, "Qing'er, forgive me. In the days to come, I shall not be by your side. You must take care of yourself." White Yun choked back tears, her gaze suddenly turning to the doorway, where a sense of bitterness pervaded her lost expression.

Clutching Yinqi Qing's shoulder tightly, she uttered with force, "Qing'er, remember, do not place your trust in the honeyed words of men, nor in the illusions of love. Remember the words your mother has spoken! My poor child! Farewell!" With her speech concluded, White Yun pushed Yinqi Qing to the ground and leapt out of the window herself. Seven-year-old Yinqi Qing stared vacantly at the scene, hearing only a deafening crash as she peered anxiously downward, witnessing nothing but crimson blood staining the ground alongside her mother's lifeless body...

"No..." Yinqi Qing awoke in terror, sitting up in bed, clutching her nightclothes tightly to her chest. Beads of cold sweat dripped from her forehead, falling with a hollow "plink" onto the blanket. She gasped for breath, unable to fathom the contents of her dream. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, she noted that it was almost seven o'clock.

Yinqi Qing, rising from her bed, stood by the window, her form leaning against the wall. She watched as the dawn's light began to break through the veil of darkness, heralding the arrival of a new day. In the early morning of autumn, a gentle breeze whispered through the air, causing Yinqi Qing to tremble involuntarily. She turned and made her way to the bathroom, determined to visit the children at the orphanage.

The phone on the table continued to ring incessantly, but Leng Haoyu cast a cold glance at it before burying his head beneath the pillow, covering his ears.

"Erm... Haoyu, what are you up to? Refusing to answer the phone?! Could it be... heh, heh, are you avoiding it? If you won't answer, then I'll just keep calling until you do!" Pei Yun stared at the phone, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes as his lips curled slowly upward.

"Ring, ring..." The phone persisted in its ringing, prompting Leng Haoyu to sit up abruptly, casting the pillow aside with determination. Picking up the phone, he uttered through gritted teeth, "Hello, Pei... Yun, you'd better have something important to say, or else..." The words practically squeezed out from between his teeth.

Pei Yun had anticipated his response. "So, what's the verdict? Shall we settle it like we did in our childhood, with a brawl? Ha... It's already this late, and with your temperament, you should have been awake by now. Why are you still in bed, I wonder...?"

"What's the implication? Kid, did you call just to ask that? Get to the point, or else, I won't go easy on you, this solitary figure of mine!" Leng Haoyu felt as though several crows had flown over his head-was this the consequence of befriending the wrong sort?

"It's all for your benefit, my friend. The crux of the matter is this: you mentioned meeting my girlfriend, did you not? Therefore, you shall join me for dinner at my place tonight. I'll introduce you to a girlfriend, just to assuage your envy! Very well, see you tonight, farewell!" Hearing the phrase "solitary figure," Pei Yun became wary, swiftly changing tack. Otherwise, with Leng Haoyu's penchant for mischief, he would surely bid adieu to him on behalf of Song Zhiqiao.

"You scoundrel, are you hanging up so swiftly? Do I still need your introduction? With just that utterance of yours, you're already leaving me in the lurch. Tonight, I assure you, you won't get off lightly!" Leng Haoyu muttered to himself, a sinister smile creeping onto his gloomy face.

"Heh, who's cursing me?" Pei Yun shrugged, watching Song Zhiqiao bustling about, a smile of contentment playing on his lips.

"Hey, Pei Yun, come and lend a hand, it's all because of you that I'm so busy! I solemnly caution you, do not broach the subject of introducing a boyfriend to Qing'er in front of her. Should you dare, beware, I shall sever ties with you!" Song Zhiqiao stood solemnly before Pei Yun, slender fingers pointing toward her beloved.

"I was merely jesting, but do I not entertain such thoughts? Why should it be forbidden? Qing'er hasn't even found a boyfriend yet. If she remains single, when will she marry? And if you insist on waiting until she does, then when shall I have the opportunity

to marry you?" Pei Yun confidently grasped Song Zhiqiao's delicate and tender hand, speaking forthrightly, though he failed to notice her expression.

"If I ask you not to mention it, then don't. Yun, there are matters concerning Qing'er that are private and not for me to disclose. I understand your desire to marry, but our relationship is still in its infancy. I am also concerned about Qing'er; it hasn't been long since we began our courtship, and I am apprehensive about her being on her own. Please, do not pressure me! If your family pressures you into marriage, and you decide to break up with me, I won't hold it against you!" Song Zhiqiao, irritated, looked Pei Yun squarely in the eye as she spoke calmly.

"Qiao qiao, in my life, in my heart, there is only you, forever and always. If you do not wish to marry, I respect your decision! I know you care deeply about Qing'er and are anxious about anything concerning her. Though there are matters of which I am unaware, I am willing to wait!" Pei Yun pointed to his heart with his slender fingers, his gaze filled with affection as he looked into Song Zhiqiao's eyes.

"Yun... meeting you in this lifetime is my good fortune. You are the only one for me!" Tears of emotion welled up in Song Zhiqiao's eyes as she mirrored Pei Yun's gesture, pointing to her heart. With that, she blushed and ran off.

"Heh, the only one... Qiao qiao, don't run away!" Pei Yun called out happily, grabbing the fleeing Song Zhiqiao and embracing her excitedly.

"Yun, I can't breathe, let go of me, I haven't called Qing'er yet!"

"Qiao qiao, are you alright?" Pei Yun looked at the blushing Song Zhiqiao with concern.

"I'm fine, I'll call Qing'er first. You tidy up for dinner tonight!"

"Yes, madam!" Pei Yun dashed into the kitchen like a gust of wind.

Song Zhiqiao looked surprised at first, but then a cute smile spread across her face.

"Sister Qing'er, look at the clouds in the sky, they're so beautiful! Over there, they look like little sheep, and here, they resemble horses... hehe!" Xiaoxue pointed at the clear sky, giggling joyfully.

"Yes, but Sister Qing'er loves seeing Xiaoxue smile the most!" Yinqi Qing played with the sickly Xiaoxue in the grass, because Aunt Chen said that it's good for sick people to walk more.

"I knew Sister Qing'er is the best to me, always knows how to make Xiaoxue happy!" Xiaoxue happily pinched Yinqi Qing's cheek!

Yinqi Qing looked affectionately at Xiaoxue, pinching her pale face thoughtfully. "Xiaoxue, shall we go back now? Sister Qing'er still has things to do!"

"Yes, okay, Sister Qing'er, remember to come and accompany Xiaoxue more often!" Yinqi Qing nodded.

After Yinqi Qing dropped Xiaoxue off at the orphanage, she went to the small hill behind the orphanage. She remembered that she used to love playing here with Qiao qiao when she was young. Only here could she forget all her unhappiness!