Since then, the name "Charles Green" ran through Susan Clark's entire university years, and after she started working, it was mentioned even more frequently—on TV, in magazines, newspapers—his presence was everywhere.

Now, although Charles Green has already retired and rarely appears in public, his prestige remains as unshakable as Mount Tai, no matter how far away he is.

Of course, Susan Clark had also heard that Charles Green's greatest hobby was equestrianism.

So, the place she was in now should be Charles Green's private stable.

Charles Green was holding a genuine leather riding crop, strolling leisurely in this direction, his gaze gradually noticing Susan Clark standing to the side.

Suddenly seeing an unfamiliar woman, Charles Green's steps unconsciously slowed, and he sized her up a bit more.

But then he thought, a man bringing a woman along didn't seem all that unusual, so his first words became, "And this is?"

He pointed at Susan Clark.

Before Ian Shaw could speak, Susan Clark jumped in, "Hello, Mr. Guan, I am Susan Clark, a reporter from 'Finance Weekly.'"

"'Finance Weekly,' huh..." Charles Green nodded. "I remember you. I've read a few of your articles—they're well-written, insightful. I didn't expect you to be such a young lady in person."

Whether this compliment was for Ian Shaw's sake or not, Susan Clark accepted it calmly.

She looked up and smiled, "You're too kind."

After the brief introductions, Charles Green immediately turned to his guest for the day, chuckling, "I thought you were coming alone, so I didn't prepare anything. Not many girls show up at this shabby place of mine."

From his words, Susan Clark realized he had misunderstood her as coming with Ian Shaw, and probably thought their relationship was unusual.

Susan Clark lowered her head, her fingers gently rubbing her sleeve, her mind racing.

"Uncle Guan—"

"Oh my!"

Just as Ian Shaw started to speak, the woman beside him let out a small exclamation.

Ian Shaw turned to see her looking up at the racetrack ahead, her face full of amazement. "This place is so beautiful!"

As she spoke, she glanced around, her long hair lifted by the wind, her eyes shining. "And these horses are so gorgeous!"

She truly seemed like an innocent girl captivated by the scenery.

Susan Clark felt her acting this time deserved an Oscar—at least the China division.

Ian Shaw swallowed what he was about to say, frowning as he studied Susan Clark thoughtfully.

"These aren't even my best horses," Charles Green immediately chimed in. No matter how high his status, at his age, he couldn't resist showing off his treasures. "The real prized horses are inside."

"There are more?!"

With a look of curiosity and anticipation, Susan Clark made it obvious, and of course Charles Green noticed. He put away the crop and beckoned to the two of them, "Come on, let's go inside."

With that, Charles Green turned and walked in, leaving Susan Clark and Ian Shaw behind.

In such an open space, the wind was always especially strong, sweeping through the woods with a whooshing sound.

The person beside her said nothing, but Susan Clark could feel him watching her.

Given Charles Green's status, she was certain Ian Shaw wouldn't bother explaining in front of him, wouldn't bring up these childish squabbles, which was why she dared to act this way.

But being scrutinized like this was torture—every second stretched endlessly.

Susan Clark's breathing grew uneven. She clasped her hands behind her back, her index finger nervously twisting at everything. After a few seconds, still waiting for him to speak, she steeled herself and looked up at Ian Shaw.

Sure enough, she met his gaze.

Susan Clark blinked, looking all innocence, as if to say: "Charles Green invited me, so what? Is there a problem?"

Susan Clark didn't know if Ian Shaw actually had a problem, but he just gave her a faint, unreadable smile, then ignored her and followed after Charles Green.

Inside the stables, Charles Green stood outside the changing room.

Ian Shaw headed straight for the changing room, stepping inside, then seemed to remember something and turned to look at Susan Clark from where Charles Green couldn't see.

He lowered his eyelids. "I'm going in to change."

Though his voice was calm, there was a hint of warning in it.

Susan Clark beamed, her voice sweet. "Okay! I'll wait right here."

Ian Shaw: "..."

He said nothing more, went straight into the changing room, leaving only Charles Green and Susan Clark outside.

——

If it were a stranger, Charles Green, given his status, would be the type to say the least.

But today, he clearly regarded Susan Clark as someone brought by Ian Shaw. Having overheard their earlier exchange, he had a general impression of Susan Clark, and his attitude toward her was much the same as toward Ian Shaw.

He led a horse over, stroking its mane as he chatted casually with Susan Clark.

After a few words about the industry, he changed the subject: "How long have you known Ian Shaw?"

Susan Clark was momentarily taken aback before realizing what he meant.

She lowered her eyes, looking a bit shy. "Not long."

They had only met today.

Charles Green understood, nodded with a smile, and patted the young horse in front of him. "Do you know how to ride?"