Chapter 3.1: Gone Without a Trace

　　Five hours ago, Lin Clan Private Hospital, City S

　　“Please wait, CEO Lin! It’s not advisable for you to be discharged just yet!” The attending physician earnestly pleaded. Yet, his words fell on deaf ears as the strikingly handsome man walked out of the ward.

　　“Since you’ve just undergone a bone fracture surgery, CEO Lin, isn’t it more conducive to your recovery to remain in the hospital?” His suit-clad subordinate joined in the persuasion.

　　The man’s brisk stride came to an immediate halt as his eyes flashed with an ice-cold glimmer.

　　His face bore distinct, angular features accentuated by his thick, sharply arched eyebrows. His eyes were deep and mysterious, while his facial features were intricately chiseled, akin to the precision of a masterfully crafted blade. His usually meticulously groomed hair was now disheveled, tangled by the bandage wrapped around his forehead. His left arm was encased in a cast, secured to his chest with bandages. Draped over his shoulders was a silver suit jacket, complemented by a shirt with a few buttons undone, offering tantalizing glimpses of his muscular chest and sculpted abdominal muscles.

　　The subordinate cowered beneath his glacial gaze, their head inclining in a gesture of remorse, too daunted to voice another syllable.

　　Xu Yunzhuo was filled with deep regret as he realized the gravity of his mistakes. He should never have listened to Zhan Yang’s ill-advised words and rejected Madam Lin’s call. Succumbing to a momentary lapse of judgment, he impulsively switched off his phone. At this very moment, he wished with every fiber of his being for the impossible — turn back time and return to the night before last.

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　　In other words, “Lin Bao” was not just another person to CEO Lin; they shared a profound and intimate connection that went beyond the ordinary!

　　As CEO Lin stirred from unconsciousness, his hand instinctively darted toward his phone, only to find it already placed in his palm by Xu Yunzhuo, who then rattled off a detailed account of the missed calls.

　　With a flick, CEO Lin unlocked his phone, his gaze intense as he delved into the call history. His brows furrowed in concentration, he swiftly dialed the number and held the phone to his ear. However, all he received was a cold, mechanical voice echoing through the receiver.

　　“We’re sorry, the number you have dialed has been disconnected or is no longer in service.”

　　With a resounding clang, CEO Lin sent his phone flying across the room in frustration before barking out a command, “Get everything set up for our return home—now!”

　　Despite the earnest and heartfelt pleas from Xu Yunzhuo and Zhan Yang, their attempts to dissuade CEO Lin were in vain. No amount of persuasion could sway him from subjecting himself to the strains of a long journey in his weakened state, having just undergone a bone fracture surgery.

　　Left with no other choice, Xu Yunzhuo could only resign himself to the situation and arrange for a private jet to ensure a smooth return to the country. Immediately right after, his first priority was to transport CEO Lin to the private hospital owned by Lin Cooperation, where he could receive essential treatment to aid his recovery.

　　Back in the country, CEO Lin’s furrowed brows spoke volumes of relentless concern that refused to release their grip. With dogged determination, he dialed the phone number for “Ling Bao” repeatedly, as the familiar electronic sounds played in his ears with each futile attempt. At long last, Xu Yunzhuo could no longer suppress his curiosity and plucked up the courage to inquire, “Is this friend of yours… someone of great importance, CEO Lin?”

　　With a sudden pause in his dialing, CEO Lin’s countenance remained devoid of any emotion, but his words cut through the tension like a blade. “That’s my wife,” he stated matter-of-factly.

　　In a split second, Xu Yunzhuo was struck with a sudden jolt of surprise, his eyes bulging in utter disbelief.

　　C-CEO Lin’s wife? Wasn’t he called Su Ling?

　　Wait a minute!

　　Su Ling? Ling Bao? So, that means…

　　Su Ling’s actually Ling Bao, and both of them are… CEO Lin’s wife!!

　　Xu Yunzhuo’s heart skipped a beat as he watched CEO Lin’s every move, the intensity of his gaze locked on CEO Lin’s arduous struggle to rise from the hospital bed. Every movement seemed like a battle against pain, yet CEO Lin persisted, painstakingly draping the jacket over his weary frame.

　　Despite the doctor’s best efforts to convince him otherwise, CEO Lin remained resolute about leaving the hospital. His urgency was palpable, fueled by his desperate need to reach his wife.

　　At this juncture, the weight of his mistake settled upon Xu Yunzhuo’s conscience as he realized the gravity of his misjudgment. A mere lapse in judgment had caused CEO Lin to be unable to contact his wife. Such was CEO Lin’s state of desperation that he was consumed by an inferno of anxiety, disregarding all else as he fervently sought to return home.

　　In the midst of his subordinates’ silence, Lin Feng pressed on with resolute strides, wasting no time on words.

　　“CEO Lin, please wait—” The doctor’s focus zeroed in on his patient’s attempt to make a break for it. But no way was he letting that happen! Duty bound and driven by responsibility, the doctor was determined to keep his patient safe and sound under his care.

　　With a quick step, the attending physician intercepted Lin Feng’s path, concern etched on their face. “Hold on there, Lin Feng,” he urged, extending a hand to halt him. “Let Assistant Xu handle any urgent matters or important visitors for now. Your recent surgery and flight will make you susceptible to reopening your wound or infection. Take it easy, alright?”

　　Taking advantage of the moment, Xu Yunzhuo attempted to dissuade him. “Doctor Zhang has a point. If you’re uneasy, why not let me swing by the Lin Residence? I’ll personally check if Madam Lin is at home.”

　　Upon hearing that utterance, Lin Feng’s eyes became icy daggers, piercing through him with a silent yet intense stare that sent shivers down his spine.

　　Under the weight of pressure, Xu Yunzhuo consoled, “Madam Lin is a grown adult, so w-we can’t possibly have lost track of him completely, can we? I mean, it’s conceivable that… he may have forgotten to charge his phone… or simply misplaced it…”

　　His voice drifted into a hushed whisper as Xu Yunzhuo’s legs quivered under the intense gaze of CEO Lin, akin to a predator locking onto its prey.

　　Did I say something wrong? Why does CEO Lin’s expression look so dark and terrifying?

　　“No need.” Lin Feng uttered two words in a low, somber tone, brushing past the attending physician and heading straight for the elevator without a second glance.

　　Left with no choice, Xu Yunzhuo swiftly relayed instructions to the attending physician before dashing off to catch up.

　　“My car’s in the underground parking lot, CEO Lin. Allow me to escort you home.”

　　This time, Lin Feng did not turn down the offer.

　　Xu Yunzhuo could not help but let out a quiet sigh of relief, feeling immense envy toward Zhan Yang for being able to work at the company.

* * *

　　Aromaterra Villa District, City S

　　The silver Lexus purred to a halt in a standalone villa’s courtyard, its sleek lines shimmering in the sunlight. Xu Yunzhuo stepped out of the driver’s seat and swiftly opened the rear door.

　　“CEO Lin, we’ve arrived,” he spoke with deference to the man seated in the car, who had closed his eyes for a moment’s respite.

　　Lin Feng’s eyes fluttered open and he stepped out of the car, striding purposefully toward the villa entrance.

　　Nervousness gripped Xu Yunzhuo’s heart as he wordlessly trailed behind. Despite his role as Lin Feng’s competent assistant, this was his first visit to the Lin Residence. CEO Lin valued privacy above all else, so even after three years of marriage, Xu Yunzhuo still had not even caught a glimpse of the CEO’s wife!

　　With a stoic expression, Lin Feng stood before the villa entrance and unlocked the sturdy iron gate with his fingerprint.

　　“Is Madam not at home?” Xu Yunzhuo inquired, his voice held a note of uncertainty. The courtyard was eerily quiet, with no sight of a single soul.  

　　As Lin Feng’s gaze held a profound depth, he pulled a long face and pressed his fingerprint against the door lock. With a determined stride, he stepped into the living room.

　　“Ling?”

　　He called out in a low and deep voice, while his eyes habitually darted toward the familiar sofa where the young man often lounged with his afternoon tea. But today, the space remained empty.

　　“Ling Bao,” he called out softly, his voice filled with warmth. As Xu Yunzhuo trailed close behind, a misstep threatened to send him tumbling, but his lightning reflexes kicked in. Immediately right after, he clutched onto the back of the sofa, narrowly averting disaster.

　　Is this… Is this still the same CEO Lin I know?