Upon hearing this, Lu Yao understood. No wonder Chairman Sun had looked at her so eagerly just now.

"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Jinlu smiled slightly, said nothing more, and simply led her forward.

Along the way, people kept coming up to greet her. Some were business partners who knew Zhou Jinlu, while others came from all walks of life who wanted to get to know Lu Yao.

Throughout, Zhou Jinlu maintained a perfect distance from Lu Yao, neither making her feel like he was protecting her too much and stealing her thunder, nor making her stay within his sight. Anyone who wanted to approach her alone would be subtly blocked by him.

Lu Yao naturally sensed this subtle thoughtfulness and care, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

"President Zhou." After the people exchanging pleasantries left, Lu Yao called out to him softly.

Zhou Jinlu turned his head to look at her: "Hmm?"

"Thank you." Lu Yao didn't say much, just a simple thank you.

Although the reason was not explained, Zhou Jinlu understood, and a smile appeared in his light brown eyes.

"You're welcome, it's nothing."

Soon, it was time for the launch ceremony.

Lu Yao, as the invited public welfare ambassador, gave a brief speech on stage.

When she stood under the spotlight, facing the sea of ​​people below the stage, she wasn't as nervous as she had imagined.

She smiled, glanced at Zhou Jinlu in the front row, who was still staring at her, and then began her speech.

"Good evening, distinguished guests. I am Lu Yao, and it is an honor to stand here as the public welfare ambassador for the 'Starlight Project'."

"Before I decided to participate in the 'Starlight Project,' someone asked me why I chose charity. My answer was that I always believe that everyone in this world needs to be seen, cared for, and warmed."

"I am grateful that the story of 'Temptation of the Wife' is liked by everyone, but real life needs our attention more than fictional stories. Families troubled by rare diseases and those who have to face difficulties alone need more than just sympathy; they need practical help and long-term care."

"The significance of the 'Starlight Project' is to gather every small act of kindness and let them become a light that illuminates the lives of others. I am honored to be a part of it, and I hope that more people will join us to make this light shine brighter and brighter."

Thank you everyone.

After she finished speaking, she bowed slightly, and enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

The footage of Lu Yao speaking has been broadcast live to the terminal screens of countless households across the Federation.

Her speech was devoid of flowery language or deliberate sentimentality; she simply conveyed her thoughts in a gentle yet firm voice.

It was so sincere that it instantly touched the audience who were initially indifferent to these things.

At this point, the comment section of the live streaming platform had been overrun:

[Waaaaah, given Ms. Lu Yao's abilities, she could have spoken much better, but she spoke so simply and sincerely. It made me want to contribute too, even though I don't have much money!]

These are such simple words, why do they make me want to cry...?

Because she's not putting on a show; she genuinely thinks that way. You can tell from her eyes!

[It seems like Ms. Lu Yao succeeds at everything she does. She's genuinely sincere, and I can understand why people like her so much and feel they can't live without her!]

[Upstairs, you've really fallen for her, haven't you? Actually, I noticed it a long time ago. Ms. Lu Yao doesn't have that arrogance, conceit, or haughty feeling that most women have. Of course, I don't mean anything bad by that, but Ms. Lu Yao is much more approachable!]

[Haha, the person above is clearly trying to survive. I know what you're trying to say—that Teacher Lu Yao has a kind of approachable charm that makes people want to get closer!]

……

After Lu Yao finished speaking, she stepped down from the stage, and Zhou Jinlu, with a smile in his eyes, gently stood protectively beside her: "You spoke very well."

Lu Yao smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment, President Zhou."

"It's the truth." Zhou Jinlu's voice was soft, yet exceptionally gentle.

The next part didn't require Lu Yao's participation. She turned her head and whispered to Zhou Jinlu, "I'm going to the restroom."

"I'll go with you," Zhou Jinlu said, walking towards the restroom with Lu Yao. But when they reached the door, Zhou Jinlu stopped on his own. "I'll wait for you here."

Lu Yao nodded, pushed open the door, and went inside.

Zhou Jinlu leaned slightly against the wall, waiting for Lu Yao to come out. Just then, a voice called out, "Zhou Jinlu!"

Looking up, I saw Ji Shan.

Zhou Jinlu frowned, a look of annoyance welling up in his eyes.

Ji Shan didn't see the emotions in his eyes. She walked quickly over in her high heels, her face showing surprise and grievance: "What are you doing here? I've been looking for you for so long."

Zhou Jinlu didn't move, but coldly asked, "Miss Ji, is there something you need?"

"Of course there's something." Ji Shan took another step forward, looking at him intently with eager eyes. "Zhou Jinlu, let's talk."

"What do we have to talk about?" Zhou Jinlu propped himself up and took a half step back. "Ms. Ji, please keep your distance."

Ji Shan acted as if she hadn't heard him, and took another step forward, almost pressing herself against him.

Zhou Jinlu frowned even more. Just as he was about to push her away, Ji Shan grabbed his arm and pressed her half-exposed breasts against him, rubbing against him without any hesitation.

In an instant, Zhou Jinlu felt a strong discomfort spreading from the place that had been touched, and his skin felt like it was being burned, with red rashes quickly appearing.

"Let go!" he shouted.

Ji Shan didn't loosen her grip; instead, she hugged him even tighter, her eyes reddening. "Zhou Jinlu, why are you treating me like this? What's wrong with me, Ji Shan, that I'm not good enough for you? You'd rather chase after a woman who already has two potential partners than even glance at me. And why can she get close to you, but I can't? I'll insist!"

As she spoke, she reached out and wrapped her arms around Zhou Jinlu's neck, about to kiss his lips.

"Get out of my way!" Zhou Jinlu shouted, shoving her away. Ji Shan staggered back a few steps and crashed into the corridor wall with a thud.

But this struggle and contact only made Zhou Jinlu's situation worse.

He leaned against the wall, his breathing becoming rapid and erratic. On his exposed skin, the rash had spread to his neck and cheeks, and in some places, slight swelling had even begun to appear.

Most terrifyingly, his eyes began to glaze over, and his body trembled slightly uncontrollably.

Ji Shan was stunned for a moment after being pushed. When she came to her senses, she said angrily, "Zhou Jinlu, how dare you push me? Are you crazy? How dare you treat me like this?"

Just then, the bathroom door was pushed open, and Lu Yao came out.

She immediately noticed Zhou Jinlu's unusual behavior and her heart tightened: "Mr. Zhou!"

Lu Yao walked quickly toward Zhou Jinlu without hesitation.

Hearing her voice, Ji Shan turned to look at her, her eyes instantly filled with resentment. She walked towards Lu Yao and said, "It's you again! How can you be so shameless? Having two potential matches isn't enough for you, you also want to steal Zhou Jinlu from me! You... ah!"

Lu Yao reached out and slapped Ji Shan across the face. The sharp sound of the slap stunned Ji Shan: "Are you blind? Can't you see that something's wrong with him?"

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