Movie/TV series: Starting with Ode to Joy, I opened my own private kitchen.

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Zhu Zhe steadied himself and introduced Su Chang according to his previous plan: "This is Su Chang, my... boyfriend."

The younger sister's eyes lit up, and she said mischievously, "Wow, sis, you have a big boss as your boyfriend, and he's so handsome, so you can't be stingy with the wedding gift this time!"

Zhu Zhe gave a bitter smile, a profound sense of desolation filling his heart, and said with a hint of helplessness, "I'm just one of his women, and I essentially sold myself to..."

Hearing that Zhu Zhe was about to continue, Su Chang coughed twice to interrupt him, walked over, and handed the exquisite gift box that Mingzhen had given her to Zhu Zhe's younger sister: "Of course, this is the dowry your sister prepared for you. Take a look."

Zhu Zhe looked at Su Chang with a puzzled expression. This wasn't what they had agreed on before. Su Chang simply shook her head and gave her a look that showed she believed in herself.

Zhu Zhe's sister accepted the gift box without hesitation. Without even saying thank you, she eagerly opened it and exclaimed in surprise when she saw the glittering set of hardware and two heavy gold bars inside.

Her eyes widened, her face filled with surprise and greed. She hugged the gift box tightly, as if afraid someone would snatch it away, and said excitedly, "Sister, you're so kind! I'll take all of these!"

However, Zhu Zhe's mother and younger brother were drawn over by Zhu Zhe's sister's screams and saw what was in the gift box, which made them frown.

She strode over, snatched the gift box, and said coldly, "These things can't be given to you! Your brother isn't married yet; these are for him!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhe's younger sister immediately panicked and reached out to snatch it, saying, "Mom! This is my dowry from my sister. How can you take it? We can talk about my brother getting married later. Tomorrow is my wedding!"

Zhu Zhe's mother refused to back down, clutching the gift box tightly, her tone firm: "Your brother is the pillar of the family, his marriage is the most important thing! You're a girl, once you're married you'll belong to another family, what do you need so many things for?"

Zhu Zhe's younger sister blushed with anger, her voice rising eight octaves: "Mom! How can you be so biased? I'm your daughter too! My sister already said this is for me, why are you taking it away?"

Zhu Zhe stood to the side, watching her mother and sister argue, her heart filled with mixed feelings. She felt helpless, yet also a little sorry for them. She knew her mother had always favored boys over girls, but she hadn't expected her mother to still be so biased towards her brother in this situation. She opened her mouth, wanting to offer some advice, but found herself unable to get a word in edgewise.

Seeing this, Su Chang gently tugged at Zhu Zhe's hand and whispered, "Let's go out first and let them handle it themselves."

Zhu Zhe nodded and quietly left the room with Su Chang. Guan Xiaodi and Xing Lu followed closely behind, while Mingzhen stayed inside, ready to continue watching the drama unfold.

Zhu Zhe's father noticed them leaving and quietly followed them out.

Once outside, he walked to Zhu Zhe's side, sighed, and whispered, "Xiao Zhe, you should leave now and don't worry about them. And don't ever come back again. Change your phone number too."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhe burst into tears. She choked out, "Dad, how could you say that? This is my home! And you're still here."

Zhu Zhe's father shook his head, his eyes filled with helplessness and heartache: "Xiao Zhe, Dad knows you've been wronged, and you've had a tough time these past few years. But your mother, your brother, and your sister... sigh, you've already sacrificed enough for this family. Go, live your own life well, and don't come back."

Zhu Zhe cried uncontrollably, shaking her head like a rattle drum. Su Chang gently put his arm around her shoulder and whispered to comfort her, "Don't be sad, you still have me. I will protect you."

Zhu Zhe's father glanced at Su Chang, nodded, and said with a hint of pleading in his voice, "Mr. Su, I know you are not an ordinary person. I'm entrusting Xiao Zhe to you. She is a good child, but she has a bad fate... Our family has already burdened her with too much that she shouldn't have to bear. I hope you can take good care of her."

Su Chang nodded seriously: "Uncle, don't worry, I will take good care of her."

Zhu Zhe's father didn't say anything more, but just looked at Zhu Zhe deeply before turning around and going back into the house.

Zhu Zhe watched her father's retreating figure, her heart filled with reluctance and pain. She knew that her father loved her, but he was simply very weak-willed and powerless in this family.

Su Chang gently patted Zhu Zhe's shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything. If you want to stay, I'll stay with you. I'll find a way to shut your mother up. If you want to leave, we can leave now. I'll support you no matter what you choose."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Zhe gritted his teeth and looked at Su Chang with a serious expression, saying, "Let's go."

Su Chang nodded, wiped away Zhu Zhe's tears, called to Xing Lu, and then got into the Cullinan with Zhu Zhe.

Guan Xiaodi started the engine, and the car slowly drove out of the village. Zhu Zhe looked out the car window at his hometown gradually disappearing into the distance, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

After the car entered the highway, Zhu Zhe's emotions gradually calmed down.

She leaned back in her seat and asked softly, "Su Chang, why are you helping our country?"

Su Chang smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "Didn't I tell you? I'm your boyfriend, isn't it only right that I help you?"

Zhu Zhe shook his head, a hint of doubt in his eyes: "But we're just pretending, you don't need to do so much for me."

Su Chang was silent for a moment, then said seriously, "Zhu Zhe, I actually noticed you a long time ago. You are a kind and strong girl, but fate has been unfair to you. I don't want to see you suffer anymore, so I want to help you."

Zhu Zhe was stunned for a moment, a blush rising to her face: "You...you're serious?"

Chapter 347 Taking Down

Su Chang nodded, her tone firm: "Of course. If you're willing, you can be my woman."

Zhu Zhe lowered her head, feeling both touched and hesitant. She knew she had feelings for Su Chang, but the difference in their social status made her feel somewhat inferior. She said softly, "But... I'm just an ordinary person, and you..."

Su Chang interrupted her, her tone gentle: "Status and position are not important; what matters is our mutual affection. Zhu Zhe, will you be my woman?"

Zhu Zhe looked up at Su Chang's sincere eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She nodded and said softly, "Okay, I'm willing to be your woman."

Su Chang smiled with satisfaction and gently took Zhu Zhe's hand. Guan Xiaodi saw this in the rearview mirror, her lips also curving upwards, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes.

The car continued speeding along the highway, the scenery outside the window rushing past. Zhu Zhe's mood was no longer as heavy as it had been on the way there. She leaned on Su Chang's shoulder, feeling his warm body temperature, her heart filled with anticipation for the future.

Just then, Mingzhen called.

Su Chang answered the phone and heard Mingzhen's anxious voice: "Boss, Zhu Zhe's mother and sister are arguing so badly they almost came to blows! Zhu Zhe's brother has also joined the argument, and the scene is chaotic!"

Su Chang frowned and said calmly, "Never mind them, you should all leave now. Zhu Zhe has already left with me and won't be going back."

Mingzhen responded and hung up the phone. Su Chang turned to Zhu Zhe and said, "Family matters are no longer our concern. From now on, you only need to consider your own happiness."

Zhu Zhe nodded, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes. She knew she could finally escape the painful home and start a new life.

As the car entered the city, night gradually fell. Su Chang suggested, "How about we go out for a nice meal tonight to celebrate this new beginning?"

Zhu Zhe smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Guan Xiaodi parked the car in front of an upscale restaurant. After everyone got out, Su Chang took Zhu Zhe's hand and walked into the restaurant. The restaurant was dimly lit, with melodious music playing, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

After sitting down, Su Chang ordered Zhu Zhe's favorite dishes and even opened a bottle of red wine. He raised his glass, smiled, and said, "Cheers to our new life!"

Zhu Zhe raised his glass, his eyes shining with happiness: "Cheers!"

The two gently clinked glasses, the red wine swirling within, as if foreshadowing a future life as mellow and wonderful as this fine wine.

After dinner, Su Chang and Zhu Zhe returned to the hotel they had arranged.

At the door of the room, Su Chang gently kissed Zhu Zhe's forehead and said softly, "Get some rest. We'll go back to Shanghai tomorrow. If you regret it, you can tell me."

Zhu Zhe nodded, a happy smile spreading across her face. Then, blushing slightly, she stammered, "How about you...?"

Su Chang knew what Zhu Zhe was going to say, but still smiled and shook her head, affectionately ruffling Zhu Zhe's hair and saying, "Let's skip it today, let's wait until we get back to Shanghai."

Su Chang knew that Zhu Zhe must be feeling very sad at this moment. He wasn't that kind of beast and wouldn't do those things to Zhu Zhe at this time. After saying that, he turned around and left the room.

Watching Su Chang's departing figure, Zhu Zhe's heart was filled with gratitude and anticipation. She knew that her life had finally taken a turn for the better, and all of this was thanks to the man who was willing to stand up for her.

She went into the room, closed the door, leaned against it, and took a deep breath. She knew that from this day forward, her life would be completely changed, and all because of that man.

Zhu Zhe stood in front of the hotel's floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the bustling city night view outside, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Today's experience felt like a dream. From the arguments at home to her father's helplessness, and then to Su Chang's gentleness and determination, everything happened too fast, catching her somewhat off guard.

But at this moment, her heart was unusually calm, as if she had finally found her own home.

She sighed softly, turned and sat down on the bedside. She picked up her phone and looked at it, finding several missed calls, all from home. She didn't call them back, but silently placed the phone aside.

She knew that from this day forward, her connection with that family would become increasingly rare, and might even be severed completely. Although she felt a pang of reluctance, she understood that this was a choice she had to make.

"Knock knock knock—" A soft knocking sound came from outside the door.

Zhu Zhe paused for a moment, then got up and walked to the door. Through the peephole, he saw Su Chang standing outside.

She opened the door and asked, somewhat puzzled, "What's wrong? Didn't you go back to your room?"

Su Chang smiled, holding a delicate paper bag in her hand: "I just passed by the hotel's dessert shop and saw their new tiramisu. I heard it tastes good, so I brought you one. You didn't eat much tonight, and I was worried you'd be hungry."

Zhu Zhe felt a warmth in his heart, took the paper bag, and said softly, "Thank you, Su Chang."

Su Chang waved her hand, her tone relaxed: "Don't be so polite. You're my woman now, it's only right that I take care of you."

A blush crept across Zhu Zhe's face as she lowered her head and whispered, "You...you should come in and sit for a while."

Su Chang nodded, went into the room, and closed the door behind him. He sat down on the sofa, watching Zhu Zhe open the paper bag, carefully take out the tiramisu, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Try it, do you like it?" Su Chang asked.

Zhu Zhe scooped out a small piece with a spoon, put it in her mouth, and the delicate texture instantly melted on her tongue, sweet but not cloying, with a subtle coffee aroma. She nodded and said with a smile, "It's delicious, thank you."

Looking at her satisfied expression, Su Chang's eyes flashed with tenderness: "I'm glad you like it. By the way, what are your plans after we go back to Shanghai tomorrow?"

Zhu Zhe put down his spoon, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I want to find a job first. I can't keep relying on you. Although you're willing to take care of me, I still want to live on my own."

Su Chang nodded, her tone approving: "I support you. However, you don't need to rush. You can rest for a while and adapt to the new environment. If you need any help, just let me know."

Zhu Zhe looked at him gratefully and said softly, "Su Chang, you are so good to me."

Su Chang smiled and gently ruffled her hair: "Silly girl, you're mine. If I'm not good to you, who else should I be good to?"

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the room became warm and sweet.

Just then, Zhu Zhe's phone rang again. She glanced at it and saw it was her sister calling. She hesitated for a moment, but finally answered the phone.

"Sister! Please come back quickly! How could they do this? Mom took the gift box away, saying it's for my brother's wedding! That was my dowry!" came the anxious voice from the other end of the phone.

Zhu Zhe frowned and said calmly, "Sister, I've already given you those things. How you deal with them is your business. As for Mom and my brother, I don't want to concern myself with them anymore."

"Sister! How could you say that? I'm your own sister! How can you bear to see me get married with nothing?" The younger sister's voice was choked with tears, sounding extremely aggrieved.

Zhu Zhe sighed, a hint of helplessness in his voice: "Sister, I've already sacrificed too much for this family. You saw what happened today; Mom and my brother don't care about my feelings at all. I don't want to continue like this."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by the younger sister's choked voice: "Sister, I know you've been wronged, but... but I really need those things! Can you help me?"

Zhu Zhe shook his head, his tone firm: "Sister, I've made up my mind. I won't get involved in family matters anymore. You also need to learn to be independent and not always rely on others."

After saying that, she hung up the phone, let out a long sigh, as if a huge weight had been lifted from her heart.

Su Chang looked at her and asked softly, "Are you alright?"

Zhu Zhe shook his head and gave a wry smile: "It's nothing, I just find it a bit ridiculous. I used to always worry about my family, but in the end, apart from my dad, they never really cared about me."

Su Chang held her hand and said gently, "Don't be sad. You have me from now on. I will always be by your side and will never let you suffer again."

Zhu Zhe nodded, a determined glint in his eyes: "Yes, I believe you."

The two chatted for a while longer. Seeing that it was getting late, Su Chang stood up and said, "You should get some rest. We have to travel tomorrow. I'm right next door. Call me anytime if you need anything."

Zhu Zhe saw him to the door and said softly, "Good night, Su Chang."

Su Chang smiled, lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead: "Goodnight, sweet dreams."

After closing the door, Zhu Zhe leaned against it, her heart filled with warmth and a sense of security. She knew that from this day forward, her life would be completely changed, and all of this was thanks to the man who was willing to stand up for her.

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The next morning, Zhu Zhe and Su Chang set off back to Shanghai. On the plane, she leaned back in her seat, looking at the cotton candy-like white clouds outside the window, her heart filled with anticipation for the future.

"What are you thinking about?" Su Chang's voice came from the side.