I had barely sat down when the gatekeeper's phone rang, announcing someone was looking for me. Confused, I thought to myself that I hadn't arranged to meet anyone today. I descended the stairs and scanned the area, but saw no one in sight. Just as I was about to inquire with the gatekeeper, a figure suddenly darted out from the side, startling me.

"Ah!" Before I could even react, I heard a familiar voice shout, and to my surprise, it was Elena Carter, grinning with a look of mischief, clearly pleased with her little prank.

"You scared the life out of me, Elena," I said, clutching my chest in an attempt to calm my racing heart.

Elena Carter seized my hand, her eyes pleading,"Ryan, please take me off your blacklist. I really miss you, and I can't even get through to you on the phone."

I took a deep breath and met her gaze, striving to keep my tone as composed as possible."Elena, it's just not going to happen between us. Besides, I have a girlfriend now."

"You have a girlfriend?" Her face contorted in disbelief before she burst into laughter."Ryan, are you kidding me? You found a girlfriend in just a few days? Are you talking about me?"

I held her gaze firmly."I'm serious. I have a girlfriend, and I like her very much."

Elena's smile slowly faded, her eyes growing more complex."Who is she? Is she from your company? I need to meet her."

"She's not here. She's in Virelia," I replied calmly.

"Virelia?" Elena scoffed, a mocking laugh escaping her lips."You're telling me your girlfriend's in Virelia? Haha, that's rich."

I remained silent, simply watching her, my gaze resolute."I'm telling you the truth."

Elena's smile completely vanished, her eyes dulling with disbelief."Really? You're lying to me... you're lying!" Her voice trembled slightly, as if she sensed the sincerity in my words.

"Our relationship of more than ten years is not as good as the girl you picked up these days?" Her voice was filled with anger and unwillingness.

"What do you mean by a girl you picked up? She is my girlfriend." I was a little angry, but I tried to control my emotions."I have also met her family, and her family also recognizes me."

"You've met her family, and they accept you? Don't they know about your situation?" Elena's brow furrowed, her disbelief palpable.

"They know, as I've told them," I said, smiling slightly, feeling a sense of quiet pride.

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"How could they accept you?" Elena's voice rose, her eyes flashing with doubt.

"Perhaps it's just fate," I shrugged nonchalantly, a mysterious smile playing at my lips.

"I don't believe it!" Elena slammed her hand on the table, her emotions flaring as she refused to accept the truth. Her reaction was so intense that I couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

"In a few days, she'll be working here. When you meet her, you'll see for yourself," I said, attempting to sound casual, though I couldn't help but feel curious about Elena's reaction when they would meet.

"Of course I have to meet her. I want to see how stunningly beautiful this woman is who has captivated my Ryan in just a few days." Elena Carter's tone was full of disdain and curiosity, and there was a hint of barely perceptible jealousy in her eyes.

"Alright, we'll meet you then," I nodded. Knowing Elena's personality, if I didn't agree, she would continue to pester me.

"Fine, but don't come crying to me if you break up with her," Elena sneered as she turned to leave.

"It won't be that easy," I said with a smile, watching Elena storm off toward her Porsche. A silent sense of relief washed over me. Having a girlfriend was, after all, the best way to keep Elena Carter at bay.

The security guard uncle, upon noticing, approached with a curious expression on his face."Ryan, is this beauty the young lady from Carter Holdings?"

"Yes, how did you know?" I replied, somewhat surprised that the security guard uncle was aware of such things.

"Ryan, is this beauty the young lady from Carter Holdings?" the guard asked.

"I don't quite get along with wealthy people," I responded.

"Just the other day, there were pictures of her online. Someone proposed to her, and she rejected him. It caused quite a stir, with many people saying she's a gold-digger, and there were rumors about her trading in an old love for a new one," the guard exclaimed excitedly, as though recounting an intriguing drama.

I rubbed my chin, sensing that this gossip was rather intriguing."Is that really her? Is there more to this story?"

The guard smiled mysteriously."Don't believe me? Just take a look at the Eldoria section in the community forum. The threads are exploding."

I hadn't expected the security guard uncle to frequent online forums. I couldn't help but tease him,"Uncle, you sure know a lot!"

"Of course, I have an IT background," the guard said proudly, striking a self-assured pose.

I was taken aback. I hadn't imagined that he was from the IT field. I cautiously asked,"Uncle, do you know how to code?"

"Nope!" He shook his head.

"Then, are you good at graphic design?" I asked further.

"Also no!" He shook his head again.

I was a bit exasperated."So, what makes you an IT guy?"

"I know how to assemble computers," the guard said, as if this was his greatest achievement.

I chuckled helplessly and handed him a cigarette. Lighting one for myself, I found him rather amusing."Uncle, you're quite something. You're not even that old, yet you've already settled into retirement?"

The guard took a drag of his cigarette, his eyes gleaming with a sense of contentment."Well, the ultimate goal in life is to be a security guard or janitor, and I've reached that stage in one step."

"Nonsense, nonsense. You're my idol!" I couldn't help but laugh, impressed by his carefree attitude.

The guard laughed heartily."Anyway, my son's about to graduate, so I don't have to worry about that. It's all good."

"Where's your son studying?" I asked, curious.

"Harvard," the guard replied nonchalantly, as if it were an everyday matter.

"Really?" I joked, though secretly skeptical.

"My son's a real Harvard student," the guard said, his voice brimming with pride.

He pulled out his phone and opened his photo album."See for yourself."