OSTF - 68

Li Huaiming thought to himself, making such a decisive statement wasn’t wise.

What if Chi Suisui discovered the truth the very next moment?

But seeing He Xingwang’s utterly calm demeanor, he didn’t dare say anything. Instead, he quietly followed behind and returned to their quarters.

After the doctor and others left, he let out a deep breath and began questioning himself: Was the person whose wound I bandaged really He Xingwang?

Being so close, it was hard to believe.

The nurse beside him was already dumbfounded. “Was that just He Shen?”

The doctor hesitated for a moment before replying, “...Probably. It looked like him.”

He Xingwang coming here for wound treatment?

Back at the shooting sports center, Coach Zhu was waiting by the entrance. He had originally planned to go to the hospital but decided against it after being informed they were returning.

Seeing the bandage on He Xingwang’s hand, his face tensed. “Are you alright? What did the doctor say? Will this affect your training?”

“No effect,” He Xingwang moved his wrist slightly, his brows relaxing. “A week or two of rest should suffice.”

“One week and two weeks are not the same thing,” Coach Zhu sat down. “But it could be worse.”

When Li Huaiming called earlier today, Coach Zhu had been startled.

If something happened to He Xingwang, regardless of performance, Coach Zhu felt personally responsible—it wouldn’t sit well with him.

“For now, take some time to rest properly. No need to rush back into training. There are still three months until the Olympics—you have plenty of time.”

With He Xingwang’s talent, catching up was entirely possible.

Though Coach Zhu said this, there was still a slight hesitation in his heart, fearing potential issues arising later.

“By the way, what about the little girl you saved?”

“She’s in the hospital.”

Today’s incident was an accident.

He Xingwang and Li Huaiming were leaving the shooting sports center when they saw a young girl nearly hit by a car. They rushed over to pull her away.

His hand grazed the vehicle.

Seeing blood, Li Huaiming panicked and immediately flagged down a taxi to the hospital.

Coach Zhu frowned. “Should you rest at home during this period?”

Considering He Xingwang had just married and couldn’t train due to his injury, resting at home wasn’t impossible. He wouldn’t need to stay at the shooting sports center watching others train every day.

He Xingwang lowered his gaze. “No need.”

Li Huaiming added, “He Shen is hiding this from Sister-in-law. If he goes home, it’ll be exposed.”

Coach Zhu responded with understanding.

Chi Suisui indeed felt that He Xingwang seemed a bit off lately. Though he was always quiet, today’s behavior stood out.

Could the seven-year itch have started this early?

Chi Suisui pondered for a few minutes at home before calling Song Miaoli: “…Do you think He Xingwang wants a divorce?”

“You’ve only been married for how long?” Song Miaoli was eating at home. “You’ve lived together for years—it’s highly unlikely.”

“So why do you think that?” Chi Suisui asked.

Song Chengrui came over and placed some nuts on the table, silently asking who she was talking to. Song Miaoli glared at him.

“It might be an issue with training,” Song Miaoli offered several possibilities. “With competitions approaching, maybe he trained too much or isn’t satisfied with his results. Don’t worry about He Xingwang.”

Song Chengrui, listening nearby, interjected, “What could possibly happen to He Xingwang? If anything, he’s more likely causing trouble for others.”

Chi Suisui felt the siblings had a point.

After hanging up, Song Miaoli finally looked up. “Don’t tell Mom and Dad I came home today.”

Song Chengrui replied, “They’ll figure it out once they’re back.”

“Guessing and me already leaving are two different things.” Song Miaoli grabbed a handful of shelled nuts. “I don’t want another blind date.”

Since learning about her breakup, her family frequently pushed her towards matchmaking.

“They said someone from the capital.”

Even if someone fell from the sky, Song Miaoli wasn’t interested.

Thinking about it, she sighed. It had been a while since her breakup with Gu Nanyan. She hadn’t deleted his contact but hadn’t chatted either. Lately, she had been quite idle.

Song Miaoli opened her social media.

Just a few minutes ago, Gu Nanyan posted a status update with a location tag—an upscale club she had visited before.

Why was he there?

Song Miaoli’s thoughts immediately went astray.

“What’s he doing there?”

Chi Suisui was puzzled upon receiving Song Miaoli’s call.

“I’m inviting you for drinks—aren’t you feeling down today?” Song Miaoli had already prepared an excuse.

“My mood isn’t bad.”

Chi Suisui found it even more puzzling; she merely suspected something was off with He Xingwang.

“If I say you’re feeling down, then you’re feeling down. Are you coming or not?” Song Miaoli bluntly stated.

“You invited me—I can’t refuse, can I?” Chi Suisui chuckled.

“Good.”

To avoid appearing deliberate, Song Miaoli also invited Su Mian. Su Mian, who never cared much about relationships, eagerly agreed to experience a real club.

Ten minutes later.

Chi Suisui saw the plain-looking door of the cloakroom open, revealing contents that matched her expectations.

“How do you think this dress looks on me?” Song Miaoli held up a black cocktail dress. “Is it sexy?”

The two were on a video call.

The dress ended just below the knees, featuring a strapless design with a cinched waist, accentuating one’s figure beautifully. Being slightly shorter than Chi Suisui, Song Miaoli looked even prettier in it, resembling a delicately dressed little princess.

She loved all things bling, and the dress was adorned with tiny sparkling rhinestones, shimmering under the light.

“Very beautiful, definitely sexy.” Chi Suisui complimented. “You’ve been to these places so many times—you should know what to wear.”

“Of course, I’m preparing to outshine everyone.”

“Your face alone already does that.”

Song Miaoli felt a bit proud from Chi Suisui’s praise but quickly sobered at the thought of Gu Nanyan inside.

This expression didn’t escape Chi Suisui’s notice.

“Alright, who are you going to see?” she raised an eyebrow.

Song Miaoli sat back on the bed. “Gu Nanyan posted on social media—he’s at the club. What do you think he’s doing there? Is he deliberately showing off to me?”

Chi Suisui wanted to say yes.

It was definitely meant for you to see.

Though Chi Suisui didn’t know when Song Miaoli had fallen for Gu Nanyan, there were many possibilities. Song Miaoli wasn’t unknown in Nancheng; attending one banquet could reveal a lot.

“You’ve broken up—why care where he goes?” Chi Suisui said.

Song Miaoli’s brows furrowed slightly.

Chi Suisui found the whole situation between Song Miaoli and Gu Nanyan bizarre. Imagining Gu Nanyan deliberately posting on social media while at the club made her feel even more disenchanted.

Is this how people date?

Clearly, Chi Suisui’s words couldn’t sway Song Miaoli. She slipped into the little black dress, applied a carefully calculated makeup look, and ensured she appeared dazzlingly radiant as his ex-girlfriend.

The three arrived at Renjian at exactly 8 PM.

Su Mian was here for the first time, thinking they were going to experience the kind of host club often mentioned on Weibo. However, upon entering, it turned out to be nothing like that.

Chi Suisui had already reserved their spot in advance.

Since Renjian was located in Nancheng, it naturally had ties with the Qi and He families. Chi Suisui had been here countless times.

When she greeted someone, she suddenly remembered that there was an event tonight. But since she had been abroad at the time, she declined the invitation.

What a coincidence.

Their private booth had been arranged in advance, complete with tea, snacks, and waitstaff standing by.

As soon as they entered, many eyes turned toward them.

“Isn’t that Chi Suisui?”

“I thought she wasn’t coming—why did she change her mind?”

“…”

The whispers were subtle. Nearby, Jiang Ruixue stood with her group of friends. Upon seeing Chi Suisui and Song Miaoli, they exchanged glances, immediately comparing outfits and accessories.

Chi Suisui and Song Miaoli were impeccably dressed from head to toe. Su Mian had even been sent to a stylist by Song Miaoli and looked stunning as well.

“Don’t make that sour face.”

Chi Suisui glanced at Song Miaoli.

Song Miaoli replied, “I won’t.”

“Never expected to see Miss Qi here.” One of Jiang Ruixue’s companions spoke up loudly.

In Nancheng’s elite social circle, competition was fierce. Every day brought strange new topics of discussion. Knocking someone down seemed to elevate oneself.

Those who couldn’t keep up with trends were quickly ostracized.

Chi Suisui looked up, her gaze sweeping dismissively over the other woman’s sharp chin without giving her a second thought. “Su Mian, do you want to try this?”

“Yes!”

The group exchanged bewildered looks as Chi Suisui held out a plate of unfamiliar delicacies.

While feeding Su Mian, Chi Suisui glanced at Jiang Ruixue.

Living in the same city, how could she not understand her intentions?

“Why aren’t you responding? That’s so impolite,” the companion hinted, turning to Jiang Ruixue. “Ruixue, let’s go.”

“Let’s chat a bit longer.” Jiang Ruixue gracefully prepared to sit down.

Song Miaoli, already in a bad mood, grew increasingly irritated by their pretentious behavior. “Didn’t you just return from Italy?”

Jiang Ruixue hummed, smiling and saying, “Our family gifted me a vineyard, so I went to check it out. Surely your family wouldn’t skimp on something like that.”

A boastful jab all in one.

Chi Suisui and Song Miaoli exchanged a glance.

“I saw your photos,” Song Miaoli smiled faintly. “But they’re so heavily edited—it looks unrealistic. Are you planning to enter a Photoshop contest?”

Jiang Ruixue’s chin was raised at the first sentence, but her expression darkened at the second. She wanted to shut Song Miaoli up.

“Miaoli has a point.”

Chi Suisui chimed in at just the right moment. “If you have time, hire a retoucher. If you don’t know anyone, I can recommend one.”

Jiang Ruixue nearly fumed.

By the time Chi Suisui turned back to talk to Su Mian, Jiang Ruixue and her companions couldn’t leave fast enough. Jiang Ruixue cursed out the retoucher and promptly deleted him from WeChat.

After lingering at Renjian for nearly ten minutes, they finally spotted the main attraction.

From the inner room, a hand emerged—prominent wrist bones, holding a wine glass, long white fingers looking striking under the dim light.

Even in the low lighting, Song Miaoli instantly recognized it as Gu Nanyan.

She could only see him sitting there, surrounded by several pot-bellied bosses. In an instant, she imagined him as a young employee dragged along for business entertainment.

Seconds later, he stepped out slightly.

Gu Nanyan wore a shirt, the top button undone, slightly disheveled. His collarbone peeked out, his usually cold demeanor now tinged with an unexpectedly seductive allure.

This was completely different from his usual self.

“You’re staring,” Chi Suisui waved a hand.

“…”

Song Miaoli turned back, puffing up her cheeks.

Chi Suisui, enjoying the drama, egged her on. “You should go take a closer look.”

Song Miaoli said, “I won’t.”

Su Mian, watching back and forth, suggested, “Why don’t you pretend to go to the restroom and pass by them?”

“Bringing you along was useful after all, Little Cotton.” Song Miaoli thought this was a good idea, despite the detour.

With newfound enthusiasm, she grabbed her purse and left, heels clicking against the floor.

Chi Suisui popped a slice of chilled watermelon into her mouth, savoring its refreshing coolness. Her eyes fluttered closed momentarily before reopening, her features framed beautifully like a painting.

Beside her, Su Mian was utterly mesmerized, taking a long moment to recover. “Sister Suisui, watching you eat is pure enjoyment.”

Chi Suisui curved her lips. “Are you trying to say I’m a feast for the eyes?”

Su Mian nodded. “Something like that.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than her phone rang. The sound was familiar—it was the notification tone for breaking news on Weibo.

With nothing else to do, Su Mian casually opened it.

One glance, however, froze her in place. After a few seconds, she slowly lifted her head, her voice soft. “Sister Suisui… something’s happened…”

“What?” Chi Suisui tilted her head.

Su Mian found her voice. “It’s the news that just popped up on my feed—about He Shen… Sister Suisui, you should take a look yourself.”

The phone screen was laid open.

Chi Suisui’s gaze fell on it, reading the headline: “He Shen Spotted at Hospital, Suspected Hand Injury—May Be Unable to Compete.”

“…”

What was going on?