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Psst! We're moving!
The next day, the official Weibo account of That Summer announced that Shen Tang would play the other female lead.
Shen Tang cooperated with the promotion and reposted the announcement.
The first comment came from ‘CandyIsMySis’: [Congratulations, Meitang (heart) (heart)]
‘CandyIsMySis’ replied to her own comment: [Meitang, does this ID look familiar? It’s my brother’s Weibo account. My usual account had some issues, so I can’t log in for now.]
This little girl was always glued to Weibo.
Shen Tang scrolled through her past posts—more than half of them had Chuxiao Yue as the first commenter.
If she didn’t comment on time, it might have been due to the time difference.
Huo Teng also left a comment: [Looking forward to it!!]
Shen Tang glanced over—Huo Teng wasn’t far away.
“You’re more excited than me.” Huo Teng laughed as he walked over. He had always felt Shen Tang was the perfect choice for this role.
If he were the director, he would have done everything in his power to cast her.
“Tonight, the crew is having a dinner party—it’s to celebrate you.”
Shen Tang put away her phone. “Another gathering?”
“What do you mean by ‘another’? You’ve only attended one so far.” Huo Teng said, “Your scenes wrapped up today. Gradually, other actors will finish their parts too. The director decided to arrange it tonight as an early farewell dinner.”
It was essentially a wrap party, and this time, Shen Tang couldn’t find an excuse to decline.
“Are you going?” Huo Teng asked.
Shen Tang nodded. She had no choice but to join in, even if she didn’t want to.
After nearly five months together, Huo Teng and Shen Tang had become comfortable around each other. “I have a favor to ask—do you think your schedule can accommodate it?”
Shen Tang: “Just say it. Time isn’t an issue; I can adjust.”
“Then I won’t be polite,” Huo Teng got straight to the point. “I want to invite you to be a guest at my concert.”
“What kind of favor is that? It’s my honor.” However, Shen Tang was concerned. “What if I mess up and ruin your reputation?”
Huo Teng had already planned it out: “I’ll pick a song that suits your voice, and we’ll perform a duet. For the second song, you don’t have to sing—just accompany me on the piano. It’ll be a great chance to showcase your piano skills.”
Speaking of the piano, Shen Tang hadn’t touched the keys since joining the production. In fact, since entering the entertainment industry, she simply hadn’t had the time to practice.
She’d probably need to find a tutor for an intensive practice session.
Despite the minor challenges, Shen Tang still agreed to be Huo Teng’s guest at the concert.
________________________________________
In the evening, Shen Tang finished her final scene—all her parts were officially wrapped.
When the director called “Cut,” she felt a wave of relief wash over her.
Tonight’s dinner was arranged at the Evergreen Hotel where they were staying. Compared to specialty restaurants, the hotel’s dishes were average, but its convenience made up for it.
If anyone drank too much, they could just take the elevator upstairs instead of hailing a cab.
Shen Tang returned to her room, removed her makeup, and changed into casual clothes. Since tonight was just the crew, she didn’t bother putting on makeup and went bare-faced.
The hotel’s most luxurious private room was reserved for the main creative team.
A server opened the door for her, and upon seeing the person seated at the head of the table, Shen Tang hesitated momentarily.
Xiao Zhen was chatting with Zhao Chi Yi. When she noticed Shen Tang, her hand resting on her lap suddenly didn’t know where to go, and she momentarily forgot what she was saying to Zhao Chi Yi.
Fortunately, Zhao Chi Yi’s attention was also on Shen Tang.
Both of them were distracted.
The director had originally arranged Shen Tang’s seat next to Huo Teng, diagonally across from Xiao Zhen.
Instead of sitting there, she headed toward Chu Ran.
Chu Ran was seated right next to Zhao Chi Yi.
By sitting beside Chu Ran, Shen Tang wouldn’t have to face Xiao Zhen directly.
Director Zhou was pleased with Shen Tang’s seating choice tonight. Her willingness to sit next to Chu Ran signaled a gesture of goodwill—a sign of reconciliation.
He had been worried earlier. With Xiao Zhen present tonight, if Shen Tang threw a tantrum, it would leave everyone in an awkward situation. Worst-case scenario, it could jeopardize the entire project, rendering the team’s hard work over the past six months useless.
Shen Tang’s initiative surprised even Zhao Chi Yi.
Since when did this woman learn to compromise?
Chu Ran raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide her smugness.
She had assumed Shen Tang had more pride.
Apparently, breaking up with Jiang Cheng Yu really hit her hard—otherwise, why would she willingly sit next to her with such humility?
Thinking about Shen Tang’s voluntary reconciliation, Chu Ran felt immense satisfaction.
Only Xiao Zhen understood—Shen Tang didn’t want to spare her a single glance. In Shen Tang’s eyes, compared to Xiao Zhen, Chu Ran’s dislike was negligible.
Shen Tang didn’t care about the gossiping looks from others at the table. As long as she felt comfortable, that was all that mattered.
When the server poured her a drink, she declined.
“Please give me a glass of corn juice, thank you.”
Before the director could scold her, Xiao Zhen interjected: “Girls should drink less alcohol—it’s bad for the skin.”
The director agreed, saying drinking was harmful, yet he couldn’t control himself.
During the meal, Shen Tang received a call from Sister Li, giving her an excuse to leave the private room.
Tomorrow, she would fly back to Beijing. Sister Li informed her: “I’ve already rented an apartment for you—it’s in the same neighborhood as Wen Di. It’ll be convenient for you two to meet.”
She began arranging Shen Tang’s upcoming schedule: “After you finish the business activities in Beijing, you’ll have three weeks of rest and adjustment time. Filming for That Summer begins in early May, and the first month and a half will be shot in Haitang Village.”
“Haitang Village?” Shen Tang rarely reacted with such surprise.
“Yes, Jiang Cheng Yu helped you secure that location.”
At this, Sister Li couldn’t help but lament the untimely end of Shen Tang and Jiang Cheng Yu’s relationship. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but it’s clear neither of you has moved on.”
Shen Tang remained silent.
Sister Li sighed helplessly. “Forget it—I’m just torturing myself. By the way—”
“What?”
“Didn’t you want to attend the M.K-hosted spring auction with Wen Di? I managed to secure a VIP lounge for you, and the boss even got you an invitation to the private thank-you banquet afterward. The boss thinks that after offending Chu Ran last time and with Auntie Fan constantly targeting us, it’s good to expand your network. You never know when connections might come in handy.”
Shen Tang didn’t hesitate: “Cancel the banquet for me—I’m not interested.”
Sister Li: “But the CEO of an A-list sports brand will be there. How are you going to reject that?” Plus, with another year and a half left on her contract, declining would cut off her income.
Footsteps approached behind her. Shen Tang turned around and paused.
She spoke into the phone: “Alright, I understand.”
Xiao Zhen stopped two meters away by the window, quietly watching her daughter. Countless words tangled in her chest, but she didn’t know how to begin.
Shen Tang was no longer the fifteen-year-old she once knew—back then, her emotions were written all over her face, simple and transparent. Now, she concealed everything deeply—even Jiang Cheng Yu sometimes couldn’t decipher her thoughts.
Xiao Zhen spoke first: “I came to visit Chu Ran today, but really, Mom came to see you.”
“You and Chen Nan Jin truly are exes—the guilt-ridden looks in your eyes are identical.”
She let out a soft laugh.
Her sharp tongue and biting remarks were something Xiao Zhen had experienced ten years ago. She chose not to argue. “Tang Tang, why are you so stubborn? What are you doing in the entertainment industry? I’ve arranged everything for you. If you stayed abroad, the He family in London would have taken care of you. What else could you possibly want?”
So-called arrangements and the He family’s support were nothing more than sending her abroad to be controlled, shaping her into the obedient figure they desired.
Back then, the Xiao family forced her to abandon her piano studies using her grandmother’s treatment plan as leverage, threatening her to change majors. They even restricted her freedom to make friends, treating her like a puppet to manipulate her life.
She remembered it all.
The mocking smile on Shen Tang’s lips stung. “If you had known I’d grow into someone who refuses to be controlled, you probably wouldn’t have kept me around as this extra troublemaker. Too bad—there’s no regret pill.”
Xiao Zhen pressed her lips tightly together. No one had ever dared to mock her like this—not even her twins.
She restrained herself. “You’re taking advantage of being my daughter to act so recklessly with me.”
Shen Tang sneered. “Ms. Xiao, I can’t accept that statement. After gaining memories, I met you for the first time at fifteen and again today at twenty-five. From what you just said, it sounds like I’ve benefited immensely from you.”
“Mom not seeing you doesn’t mean she hasn’t cared or kept track of your daily life...”
“Stop. I can’t bear to hear this.”
Shen Tang turned to look out the window. Under the night sky, the glass reflected a blurry image of herself.
“Please take your bodyguards and leave. I don’t want anyone to see us arguing.”
Xiao Zhen composed her expression. “Here’s my ultimatum: by the end of this year, you’ll retire from the industry yourself.”
Over the years, though she claimed to disapprove of Shen Tang acting, she ultimately turned a blind eye. She couldn’t bring herself to snatch away the scripts Shen Tang worked so hard to secure.
She made up her mind: “From now on, I won’t indulge you anymore.”
Frustrated, she adjusted her breathing. “And that summer drama—what possessed you to join Auntie Fan’s project? Do you really think she’ll treat you kindly? Why insist on getting involved with her daughter? Aren’t there enough other dramas for you to choose from?”
Shen Tang stared at her reflection in the window. “I’ve long grown accustomed to her bullying over the years. I don’t care. If blood relatives bully me, why should I care about strangers?”
Xiao Zhen felt tens of thousands of needles piercing her heart. Her eyes reddened. “Mom...”
“Ms. Xiao, have your bodyguards step aside—or I’ll hit someone.” Shen Tang rolled up her sleeves.
Xiao Zhen knew her temper well. She dared to hit even Chu Ran, let alone her bodyguards. Xiao Zhen gestured to them: “Step aside.”
Shen Tang moved past her, keeping her distance.
Once again, Shen Tang left the dinner early.
Instead of returning to her room, she went out with her assistant and bodyguards to find food.
She bought plenty of snacks but didn’t eat a bite, leaving them for her assistant and bodyguards.
Walking through the bustling food street, Shen Tang’s heart felt empty. No amount of noise could fill the void.
She wandered aimlessly, unintentionally missing someone.
By the time she returned to the hotel, it was almost midnight.
Zhao Chi Yi had just returned and ran into her at the elevator.
He swiped his card and held the door open, waiting for Shen Tang to enter.
It was a private elevator, but Shen Tang had no intention of stepping inside.
“Come in. I have something to tell you.”
He had attended two events tonight and consumed nearly a liter of alcohol. Annoyed, he unbuttoned his shirt.
“Where have you been? You’re back so late.” Zhao Chi Yi turned to look at her.
He was a head taller than her, forcing her to tilt her head to speak.
His gaze was deep, fixed on her eyes.
Shen Tang didn’t avoid his stare. “What does Mr. Zhao want to tell me?”
Zhao Chi Yi reminded her: “Your contract with your current company ends in a month. Would you like to join me? Whatever you want, I can give it to you.”
Anyone close to Xiao Zhen was someone Shen Tang didn’t want to associate with.
She declined: “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Zhao.”
Zhao Chi Yi gave a faint smile. “If you ever change your mind, give me a call.”
As if certain she would eventually reach out to him.
________________________________________
The next afternoon, Shen Tang flew back to Beijing.
Over the past three years, she had grown accustomed to taking the familiar route back to Jiang Cheng Yu’s villa. Now, looking at the unfamiliar buildings outside the window, she wondered, “Did we take a wrong turn?”
After asking, Shen Tang felt like her brain had short-circuited. She quickly added, “Never mind.”
The driver glanced at Shen Tang in the rearview mirror. It wasn’t just her; even he wasn’t used to this route.
On the unfamiliar path, Shen Tang still caught a glimpse of the top of Jingxu Tower outside the window. The logo shimmered blindingly in the sunset.
She didn’t know which floor his office was on—she had never been there, and he had never mentioned anything about his work to her.
These small details had long foretold their ending.
Inside Jingxu Tower, Jiang Cheng Yu had just finished a meeting. After staring at his computer for hours, he leaned back in his chair to rest.
A knock sounded at the door. His secretary entered to report that Tian Qinglu was waiting in the reception room.
Tian Qinglu had called him at noon today, asking if he had time for a quick half-hour meeting. He hadn’t contacted her since hanging up on her last time.
“Let her in,” Jiang Cheng Yu sat up straight and asked the secretary to bring an extra cup of coffee.
Tian Qinglu had just arrived in Beijing that day. Most of her company’s business was in Guangzhou, but after getting engaged to Yan Heyu, she frequently traveled between the two cities.
To be honest, staying in Beijing wasn’t particularly interesting, but she still spent half her time here.
The secretary brought coffee to Tian Qinglu and closed the door.
“What is it?” Jiang Cheng Yu didn’t give her a cold shoulder, partly out of respect for their childhood friendship.
Tian Qinglu hesitated before speaking. “The role in That Summer —you pulled strings to get it for Shen Tang, right?”
Jiang Cheng Yu looked at her, not answering but instead asking, “What are you trying to say?”
His response was essentially an admission.
Tian Qinglu spoke tactfully: “Yesterday, while having dinner with a business acquaintance, we talked about Shen Tang. They said that three years ago, Shen Tang had conflicts with Auntie Fan, and now Auntie Fan has ‘forgotten past grievances’ by giving her the lead role in That Summer . Shen Tang must have some skills.”
By “skills,” she meant Shen Tang knew how to handle men.
Jiang Cheng Yu picked up his coffee cup and sipped slowly, saying nothing.
Tian Qinglu continued: “The conflict between Shen Tang and Auntie Fan was likely over resources. Shen Tang’s reputation...”
Even though Shen Tang and Jiang Cheng Yu had broken up, Tian Qinglu chose her words carefully. “Her reputation in the industry isn’t great. She offended many people back then—not just Auntie Fan, but also Chu Ran and the Xiao family. Three years ago, she was cornered with no way out. I heard she reached out to various connections to build her network.”
Her meaning was clear—three years ago, Shen Tang had cast her net wide, and coincidentally, she had landed on him. Their meeting wasn’t accidental; it was premeditated on her part.
He had been used by Shen Tang for three years.
Tian Qinglu glanced at Jiang Cheng Yu and voiced her concerns: “I knew before coming here that what I’m about to say wouldn’t make me popular. Not only would it offend you, but it would also make me seem spiteful, like I’m trying to sow discord. But as someone who grew up with you, I decided to tell you—to cut your losses. Women in the entertainment industry aren’t as simple as they appear. Those who reach the top of the fame game aren’t ordinary people, right?”
Jiang Cheng Yu took another sip of coffee. “Are you done?”
Tian Qinglu nodded. With his emotional intelligence, he didn’t need her to be overly explicit. Even so, her words had bruised his male pride.
She picked up her coffee cup and avoided looking at him.
“Thank you for your friendly reminder.” Jiang Cheng Yu wasn’t an easy person to deal with. “Don’t let this happen again.”
Tian Qinglu abruptly raised her head. “Sorry, my words earlier hurt your pride.”
“It’s not about pride,” Jiang Cheng Yu set down his cup. The coffee tasted like water in his mouth. “I just don’t like others talking about the person I care about in front of me. Even if her reputation is terrible in your eyes, no one can compare to her in mine.”
Tian Qinglu bit her lip and apologized again. “That’s not what I meant. Sorry.”
She drank half her coffee, stood up, and excused herself. “I won’t bother you further.”
Jiang Cheng Yu didn’t stand up but simply asked his secretary to see her out.
As soon as Tian Qinglu stepped out of Jiang Cheng Yu’s office, she regretted coming. He seemed to have seen through her ulterior motives but hadn’t confronted her directly.
She had ruined a perfectly good hand.
She had never felt so powerless in business dealings. When it came to her relationship and marriage with Yan Heyu, she had lost utterly.
In the elevator, Tian Qinglu sent another message to Jiang Cheng Yu: [Maybe I harbor some animosity toward Wen Di, and by extension, I’m biased against Shen Tang. If anything I said today was inappropriate, please don’t take it to heart.]
Jiang Cheng Yu didn’t reply—he deleted the message outright.
As twilight fell, Jiang Cheng Yu grabbed his suit and left the office.
With no social engagements that evening, even he felt uneasy about returning home so early.
The housekeeper was unpacking a parcel that had just arrived.
Jiang Cheng Yu assumed it was for him. “What did Zhen Zhen send me this time?”
Aside from occasional packages from his niece, he rarely received deliveries.
The housekeeper replied, “It’s mine.” There was no point hiding it. “Miss Shen sent signed photos and several posters for my daughter-in-law. She must have been busy before, so she only sent them recently.”
Jiang Cheng Yu nodded and went upstairs.
He had thought about Shen Tang too much today. Both Tian Qinglu and the housekeeper had mentioned her.
The longing suddenly became vivid.
He opened his phone album—it was filled with photos and videos of Shen Tang.
All from three years ago. He hadn’t deleted a single one.
After sitting in his study for a while, Jiang Cheng Yu found Shen Tang’s number and called her.
She answered relatively quickly. “Mr. Jiang, what is it?”
He wasn’t used to such a formal address. “I have all those photos in my phone gallery. Do you want them? If you do, I’ll send them to you in a package. If not, I’ll delete them.”
They were slowly drifting apart. Shen Tang replied decisively, “No need. Delete them.”
After a few seconds of silence, she hung up and promptly removed him from her WeChat contacts.
Putting down her phone, Shen Tang continued unpacking her new apartment.
________________________________________
At the M.K Spring Auction, Shen Tang and Wen Di didn’t leave empty-handed. They purchased three still-life paintings and one portrait. Wen Di spent an entire script’s worth of earnings.
After some adjustment, Wen Di appeared no different from usual. Unaware outsiders wouldn’t associate her with a breakup.
“Which ones did you like? If you liked them all, I’ll give them to you,” Wen Di was always generous with Shen Tang.
Shen Tang replied, “The second one. Next time, you can give it to me. This time, I bought it as a gift for someone.”
“For Jiang Cheng Yu?” Wen Di still didn’t know about Shen Tang and Jiang Cheng Yu’s fallout and was surprised. “Does he also collect art?”
Shen Tang simply said, “For a friend. You don’t know them.”
It must be someone she knew during her studies abroad. Wen Di stopped being curious. “Alright, next time, transfer the money to me. I’ll give you the most expensive portrait.”
She smiled. “An early Children’s Day gift.”
Shen Tang didn’t hesitate to accept graciously.
After the auction ended, Wen Di handed over the follow-up matters to her assistant.
“I didn’t expect M.K’s first spring auction to exceed expectations in sales.” There were quite a few good pieces.
“There must have been support from several influential figures,” Shen Tang remarked. She and Wen Di took the private elevator to leave.
Because of the painting she intended to give to her friend, Wen Di asked, “Are you going abroad soon?”
Shen Tang wasn’t sure yet. “After finishing work here, I still need to go home and spend time with Grandpa. If time permits, I’ll visit New York.”
She planned to deliver a birthday gift to her friend.
A gift she owed for several years—a surprise.
The two parted ways in the parking lot.
Wen Di headed home directly, assuming Shen Tang was attending the private banquet with Jiang Cheng Yu that evening. “Don’t come back to the apartment tonight to keep me company. I’m fine now. Go back to the villa and comfort your poor Jiang Cheng Yu. Tell him my issues with Yan Heyu have nothing to do with him. He doesn’t need to feel guilty.”
Shen Tang chuckled, deliberately sidestepping the key points. “When did you become so talkative? Get in the car. Bye.”
She waved her hand.
Once she turned around and got into her own car, the smile on her lips faded.
Tonight’s private banquet was held at a hotel under Changqing Group, but Zhao Chiyi wasn’t on the guest list.
So far, Shen Tang only knew that the CEO of an A-list sports brand would attend, along with the head of M.K’s Beijing branch—an older gentleman named Shang, a veteran in the business world.
Tonight, he was hosting the event to thank those who supported M.K’s spring auction.
Under the guidance of hotel staff, Shen Tang entered the private room.
Most of the guests had arrived—all unfamiliar faces.
Including the CEO of the sports brand, whom she was meeting for the first time.
Fortunately, everyone else recognized her, so it wasn’t too awkward.
The boss introduced everyone. Shen Tang had a good memory and memorized all their names and corresponding corporate titles after hearing them once.
She had a physiological aversion to such socializing, but being in the limelight made it unavoidable.
Three seats remained empty, all near Chairman Shang of M.K.
Besides Chairman Shang, the most important guests hadn’t arrived yet.
Everyone present tonight was a big shot. Even the CEO of the sports brand ranked last. Shen Tang sat beside him, exchanging a few casual words.
As they chatted, someone entered through the door.
“Finally, you’re here,” Chairman Shang stood up to greet them.
“Uncle Shang, it’s been a while,” a woman’s voice greeted warmly.
“It has been a while. I didn’t see you during the New Year,” Chairman Shang turned to another. “I haven’t seen Cheng Yu in a while either. What have you been busy with lately?”
A man’s amused voice responded, “Just random things.”
Chairman Shang: “You and Zhifei sound more alike every day.”
Without turning around, Shen Tang recognized the familiar voice immediately.
She gripped her water glass and didn’t look back.
Everyone else went to greet Jiang Cheng Yu.
Jiang Cheng Yu had spotted Shen Tang the moment he walked in. That silhouette needed no confirmation—it was her.
He was surprised to see her at this banquet.
Today marked the nineteenth day since their breakup.
He remembered it so clearly.
After the pleasantries, they took their seats.
Shen Tang sat diagonally across from Jiang Cheng Yu, who was seated next to Chairman Shang.
She didn’t intentionally look at Jiang Cheng Yu. When her gaze inadvertently swept past the woman beside him, their eyes met briefly.
Chairman Shang had introduced her earlier. Her name was Lu Zhifei—beautiful, wearing a simple black blouse, no jewelry, exuding confidence from within.
Her demeanor bore a striking resemblance to Jiang Cheng Yu’s.
Jiang Cheng Yu was also wearing a black shirt tonight. In her memory, he rarely wore that color, usually opting for white shirts. He had very few black ones in his wardrobe.
Matching outfits—they were likely his new girlfriend.
Or perhaps, like Yan Heyu, an arranged marriage prospect from his family.
Wherever he was, Jiang Cheng Yu was always the center of attention. Every topic inevitably revolved around him.
He showed moderate interest, occasionally chiming in with a word or two.
Shen Tang kept her head down, quietly listening while sipping her water, not interjecting.
Someone mentioned Jiang Cheng Yu’s niece. Instinctively, she looked up and unexpectedly locked eyes with Jiang Cheng Yu.
A dining table separated them.
Shen Tang gave him a faint smile as a greeting, trying to appear composed.
Though it had only been a little over ten days since their breakup, she could face his new relationship.
He had helped her secure That Summer . She remembered the favor.
Their eye contact lasted less than two seconds before Shen Tang shifted her gaze.
One final guest hadn’t arrived yet. Sensing Jiang Cheng Yu wasn’t in the mood for deep conversation tonight, the others began chatting about unrelated topics.
Shen Tang didn’t speak much, remaining aloof from everyone. Her fame had transcended circles.
She sat silently drinking water, exuding an air of elegance and detachment, pleasing to the eye.
Men who harbored feelings for her were never in short supply. After the investment conference’s President Tan, there was another President Ge tonight.
President Ge asked the server to open a separate bottle of red wine for him.
Chairman Shang teased him: “What are you doing? Planning to drink until you drop?”
President Ge: “I’m happy.”
“Found two billion yuan?”
“Better than finding two billion yuan,” President Ge effortlessly steered the conversation to Shen Tang. “It’s an honor to meet Miss Shen tonight. As expected, she surpasses her on-screen presence.”
Others joked lightly.
Across a few people, President Ge passed a glass of red wine to Shen Tang. “I watched every episode of the drama aired during the Spring Festival. Though the ending wasn’t perfect, the ratings were impressive.”
Jiang Cheng Yu glanced at President Ge. His elbows rested on the table as he casually sipped water.
Shen Tang gave a faint smile: “Thank you, President Ge, for contributing to the ratings. Otherwise, we might not have topped the charts.”
President Ge laughed heartily. “No problem. Who could resist stopping once they started watching? I’ve never followed a romance drama before, but this was the first. I heard Miss Shen is still single. If that’s true, perhaps I have a chance to make up for the unsatisfying ending. You don’t know how much I wanted to fulfill the place you didn’t go to in the drama.”
It sounded like a joke, but everyone at the table understood its meaning.
President Ge had clearly binge-watched Shen Tang’s drama and knew the ending well—his intentions were clear.
President Ge toasted Shen Tang from afar. “Congratulations on topping the ratings. Drink as you wish.”
He downed his glass of red wine in one gulp.
Shen Tang couldn’t refuse entirely, so she took a small sip.
To others, this was a lack of respect toward President Ge.
Shen Tang saw through it clearly. If she had emptied her glass, countless more would have followed. Not just drinks, but also President Ge’s growing audacity.
President Ge wore a ring on his ring finger—he was married.
Facing Jiang Cheng Yu, she couldn’t articulate her feelings at this moment.
In the past, he would have protected her, but now, he had someone else by his side.
President Ge had heard of Shen Tang’s proud nature. He wasn’t dissatisfied with her taking only a sip. “Miss Shen, what about those rumors online—are they true?”
Shen Tang asked, “Which rumors, President Ge?”
President Ge: “That you’re single.”
Being “single” didn’t mean whether she had a boyfriend—it depended on how powerful her boyfriend was. If her background was extraordinary, he would abandon the idea.
A woman like Shen Tang wasn’t someone you encountered often. Once smitten, he wanted to possess her.
Aside from Jiang Cheng Yu, everyone at the table looked at Shen Tang.
Lu Zhifei folded her napkin absentmindedly and glanced at her.
Such a beautiful woman claiming to be single? No one believed it.
At least not these people.
Shen Tang swirled her glass, contemplating carefully. “Online rumors can’t always be trusted.” She paused deliberately, a faint smile on her lips. “Whether I’m single or not—that question should be directed to M.K’s young master.”
Everyone: “...”
M.K Group was a multinational corporation, its financial strength and influence universally acknowledged.
That wasn’t the point. The point was that the head of M.K’s Beijing branch was sitting right here, and she boldly claimed to be the girlfriend of M.K’s young master.
At least based on her current network, she couldn’t possibly reach M.K’s young master.
President Ge poured himself another glass of red wine, following up with a polite remark: “My apologies earlier. I’ll punish myself with two glasses.”
He poured the wine but didn’t drink it. “Is it our young Mr. Xie?”
Shen Tang smiled without speaking, tacitly confirming.
President Ge had never heard of Xie Yun Cheng having a girlfriend like Shen Tang.
M.K had two young masters, and Mr. Xie was one of them—the still-absent important guest. His seat was next to Chairman Shang, delayed by traffic.
Lu Zhifei couldn’t help but glance at Shen Tang again. Last week, she had attended a party where Xie Yun Cheng was accompanied by a female partner.
Realizing Shen Tang was using a powerful figure to extricate herself, she cited M.K’s young master to discourage President Ge tonight.
However, what Shen Tang didn’t know was that Xie Yun Cheng was attending this dinner as well.
Chairman Shang was a veteran of M.K, practically watching this young master grow up. Hence, tonight’s main seat was given to Chairman Shang.
Of all the people to claim as her boyfriend, why did she choose Xie Yun Cheng?
Shen Tang was about to be publicly humiliated.
“Miss Shen, call and check where this young master is. Tell him we’re all waiting for him,” Chairman Shang, as the host, didn’t want the atmosphere to become too awkward later. He kindly tipped Shen Tang off, letting her know Xie Yun Cheng would arrive soon.
He also gave her time to prepare, perhaps finding another solution.
Shen Tang: “?”
Xie Yun Cheng was coming too?
Chairman Shang pointed to the empty seat beside him. “If he doesn’t come soon, I’ll remove this chair and make him stand while eating.”
Shen Tang: “...”
Jiang Cheng Yu had said he wouldn’t interfere in Shen Tang’s affairs anymore, but at this moment, he couldn’t remain indifferent.
Empathizing with her embarrassment, he lowered his pride: [If you don’t mind, you can use my connections, including now. You can say I’m your boyfriend. If you decide, I’ll have a friend call Xie Yun Cheng and inform him that when he arrives, you’re my girlfriend. Also, I haven’t deleted any of your photos.]
Jiang Cheng Yu hit send, but the message failed to deliver.
He had been deleted from Shen Tang’s contacts.
At that moment, the private room’s door was pushed open from the outside.
The final important guest had arrived.
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