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It took Song Zhi five seconds to process the meaning behind Xu Lanan’s words.
In other words, Jiang Yanzhou had a childhood sweetheart—a white moonlight figure who had been living abroad and had just returned today.
Xu Lanan opened the fruit basket, took out a banana, and sat down on the sofa.
While eating, she sneered: “She’s a true pampered princess, unlike you. At best, you’re just her substitute.”
The name Xun Yue was completely unfamiliar to Song Zhi.
Jiang Yanzhou had never mentioned her.
But then again, it wasn’t surprising. Despite being by his side for so many years, Song Zhi had never entered Jiang Yanzhou’s social circle.
Even regarding his complicated family matters, everything she knew came from Aunt He. Jiang Yanzhou never shared these things with her.
Thus, Song Zhi had always viewed their relationship as though she were an expensive pet Jiang Yanzhou kept.
When he had free time, he would come to “favor” her.
But he never brought her into his life.
It was like being locked in an expensive cage.
Sometimes, Song Zhi found it amusing, but she never showed that she cared.
Equality meant no pain—at least, that’s what she believed.
Seeing that Song Zhi remained silent, Xu Lanan felt she had achieved her goal.
Deciding her mission was complete, she bit off the last piece of banana and tossed the peel into the trash can: “I’ll wish you happy heartbreak in advance~”
With that snide remark, she opened the door and left.
For a moment, the ward fell silent once more.
Song Zhi gave herself ten minutes to process. Her alcohol-soaked brain seemed even slower than usual.
After thoroughly piecing together the cause and effect, Song Zhi stubbornly called Jiang Yanzhou again.
Still, no one answered.
This man—usually busy with work—missing a call occasionally could be excused. But consistently not answering meant he was deliberately ignoring her.
Deliberately not answering her calls.
Song Zhi let out a cold laugh and blocked his number.
She stayed in the hospital for three days, only being discharged after the doctor confirmed her body had recovered.
That day, Tang Xiaoyan came to handle her discharge procedures. On the way, she stopped by Song Zhi’s house to pick up some clothes for her.
After wearing oversized hospital gowns for a week, Song Zhi finally changed into her own clothes.
Her complexion was still somewhat pale.
A stomach pump certainly took a toll on the body; she would need time to recover fully.
Wearing sunglasses, Song Zhi sat in a chair waiting for Tang Xiaoyan.
The latter quickly completed the paperwork.
Throwing the documents into a nearby trash can, she came over to carry Song Zhi’s belongings: “All done, let’s go.”
Song Zhi nodded, linking arms with her as they exited the hospital.
The red Ferrari stood parked by the roadside, glaring and attention-grabbing.
Tang Xiaoyan let Song Zhi get in first while she placed the items in the trunk.
After days of eating porridge, it was finally time for a change.
Tang Xiaoyan had specially bought Song Zhi a cream cake to comfort her as a patient.
Accustomed to controlling her diet, Song Zhi lightly scraped some cream from the edge with a spoon, tasting its sweetness.
As Tang Xiaoyan reversed the car out, she noticed Song Zhi’s cautious demeanor: “You’ve just been discharged. Eat whatever you want and indulge.”
Song Zhi repackaged the cake into its box: “I have an important audition in a few days.”
“Audition?”
Song Zhi nodded: “It was supposed to be today, but considering my condition, they postponed it by a few days.”
She looked down at her phone. Aside from a few audition time reminders from her agent, there was nothing else.
Thinking about Xu Lanan’s words, Song Zhi asked Tang Xiaoyan: “Do you know Xun Yue?”
Tang Xiaoyan was momentarily stunned: “Xun Yue?”
She seemed to recall, a familiar yet distant name from the past.
After a few minutes, she remembered: “Yes, we grew up together. She used to cling to Jiang Yanzhou all the time, extremely spoiled. But after she went abroad for studies, we haven’t seen each other for a while.”
From Tang Xiaoyan’s words, it was clear she didn’t have much fondness for this Xun Yue.
However, this confirmed that Xu Lanan hadn’t lied.
Jiang Yanzhou indeed had a childhood sweetheart.
“Is she pretty?”
Song Zhi suddenly asking this question puzzled Tang Xiaoyan: “Why are you suddenly asking about her?”
Song Zhi shrugged: “Just curious.”
“She’s alright,” Tang Xiaoyan evaluated neutrally. “She was just an ordinary rich girl, spoiled by her family. But during high school, something changed—she became overly dramatic and pretentious, with an annoyingly sweet voice. Personally, I don’t like her.”
Song Zhi thought something about this statement felt off.
After a while, she realized that the latter half of the description fit her perfectly.
Tang Xiaoyan also realized this issue and quickly explained: “You and her are different. You may be dramatic, but your drama is cute and natural.”
Song Zhi wasn’t sure if she was being insulted or complimented.
But she was too lazy to dwell on this matter further.
The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became.
The car was too quiet. Song Zhi casually tuned into a radio station, where soft piano music played.
Seeing the date on the car screen reminded Tang Xiaoyan: “By the way, my birthday party is in two days. Make sure you come, even if you have to cancel work!”
Song Zhi frowned, thinking she might have misremembered: “Isn’t your birthday still half a month away?”
At the intersection, Tang Xiaoyan turned the steering wheel: “It’s all because of my dad. He consulted someone and determined that two days from now is an auspicious day for a birthday party. You know how superstitious he is—he forcibly moved my birthday forward by a few days.”
The wealthier and more powerful people were, the more they believed in these supernatural theories.
Fortunately, Jiang Yanzhou never believed in such things.
He wasn’t disbelieving—it’s just that he never showed much interest. At least, the things Tang Xiaoyan’s father did would never happen to him.
Song Zhi closed her eyes, unsure why she was thinking of him again.
Tang Xiaoyan finally belatedly noticed something was amiss: “Song Zhi, are you not fully recovered? You look pale and seem uninterested.”
If it were any other time, she would already be searching for the nearest fashion show.
Being cooped up in the hospital for so many days, her restless heart wouldn’t allow her to stay calm like this.
It was unusual.
“By the way, why didn’t Jiang Yanzhou come?”
Shouldn’t a boyfriend personally pick up his girlfriend from the hospital?
Song Zhi leaned back in her seat: “I haven’t seen him in three days.”
Tang Xiaoyan exclaimed: “What? You were sick in the hospital, and he didn’t even visit?”
“He didn’t answer my calls either.”
After saying this, Song Zhi couldn’t help but find it somewhat amusing.
She didn’t know what she was complaining about or what she was expecting. She already knew that Jiang Yanzhou didn’t have much affection for her.
He merely needed a woman to sleep with.
Coincidentally, her appearance and figure met his standards.
That was all.
These realizations were things she had come to terms with long ago. So why was she still obsessing and feeling hurt?
Since childhood, Song Zhi had always been particularly afraid of the dark.
She even slept with the lights on at night.
One late evening during high school, she was forced to stay behind by her teacher for not finishing her homework.
Almost everyone had left the school, and her usual group of friends had already gone home.
This meant she would have to walk alone through the street without streetlights.
She called Song Luo, asking him to pick her up.
On his end, the background noise was deafening—the DJ’s music blaring. Without a doubt, he was at a bar again.
He didn’t hear a word Song Zhi said.
“My brother is very busy right now. I’ll bring you some late-night snacks when I get back.”
The dial tone echoed in her ear, and Song Zhi was so angry she wanted to kick the air.
Looking at the increasingly thick twilight, she took a deep breath and reassured herself—it was time to overcome this fear.
The property management hadn’t reached this area yet; the streetlights were broken year-round.
This street rarely saw passersby. It was so quiet that even the sound of the wind blowing past her ears was crystal clear.
Song Zhi gripped her backpack straps tightly, trembling all over from fear.
The hand that patted her shoulder made her scream and bolt, ready to run. Qin He grabbed her backpack and pulled her back.
“Am I really that scary?”
He gently asked, his smile warm.
Seeing his face, Song Zhi felt as if she had encountered a living Bodhisattva in a hell full of demons.
She was so moved she almost cried.
“Waaah, Qin He, that jerk Song Luo isn’t human! He’s at a bar and didn’t come to pick me up. I was so scared!”
Little girls loved to complain and tattle.
Qin He handed her a cup of jasmine tea and patted her head with a smile: “Our little Zhi is the best.”
Feeling wronged, Song Zhi clutched the jasmine tea and walked beside him.
Qin He was the older brother living next door. A year older than Song Luo, he had excellent grades but chose to retake the college entrance exam despite scoring well above the threshold for top-tier universities.
He was an exceptionally gentle person, unlike Song Luo, who never spoke loudly.
If Jiang Yanzhou and Song Luo becoming friends was due to similar personalities attracting, Song Zhi couldn’t figure out why Qin He and Song Luo became friends no matter how hard she thought.
Along the way, Song Zhi passionately ranted about Song Luo, while Qin He quietly smiled.
Occasionally, a car would approach, and he gently pulled Song Zhi closer to his side, positioning himself on the outer edge.
Song Zhi sighed: “If my brother had even half your gentleness, it would be great.”
He just softly chuckled: “Song Luo is a good brother too.”
“He’s good for nothing.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Song Zhi’s gaze froze, and her steps halted.
After exiting the street with broken streetlights, the view cleared slightly.
Song Zhi saw someone smoking ahead, wearing the navy-blue uniform of their high school.
The zipper seemed undone, revealing a T-shirt underneath.
That flicker of orange light wasn’t very bright.
But in Song Zhi’s eyes, it outshone the stars in the sky.
She told Qin He to hide: “I’ve found someone to escort me.”
Qin He followed her gaze. The boy seemed to glance over, but it was too dark to see clearly under the dim moonlight.
Helplessly smiling, Qin He obeyed and hid.
Song Zhi happily ran over and asked Jiang Yanzhou: “Are you here to take me home?”
Bright and untouched by hardship, it seemed as if heaven had bestowed all blessings upon her.
Jiang Yanzhou extinguished his cigarette and stood up, his voice as indifferent as ever: “Not on the way.”
Just when Song Zhi thought he was all bark and no bite, he actually turned around and walked away.
In the opposite direction from Song Zhi.
Song Zhi couldn’t pinpoint when she started liking him, but she was certain that on that night, she liked him.
Because of his coldness, she was sad for a long time.
Naturally, Jiang Yanzhou never consoled her. The broad-minded little girl consoled herself.
The next day, she obediently appeared before him, sweetly greeting him with a “hello.”
People truly raised in love seemed to possess the innate ability to heal others and themselves.
Reflecting on it now, Song Zhi genuinely thought her past self was adorably naive.
________________________________________
Knowing Song Zhi as well as she did, Tang Xiaoyan rarely saw her in such a low mood.
She must have been truly hurt.
To stop her from dwelling on Jiang Yanzhou, that scumbag, Tang Xiaoyan forcefully changed the topic.
“Did you search your name on Weibo while you were in the hospital?”
This question came out of nowhere. Song Zhi replied: “I haven’t been on Weibo.”
Ever since winning that infamous flood award, every post she made was bombarded with insults.
Out of sight, out of mind—she decided not to log in unless promoting a program or advertising.
No wonder she was so calm. Tang Xiaoyan took out her phone, opened the trending topics, and handed it to her: “Then you missed quite the drama.”
Song Zhi glanced at it and froze.
The video showed her and He Hanyang in the pavilion.
Initially devoid of any romantic atmosphere, the fans pairing them added BGM, creating an unexpectedly intimate vibe.
The hashtag on Weibo read #SongZhiHeHanyangRomance.
Song Zhi furrowed her brows deeply: “What kind of nonsense is this hashtag?”
Tang Xiaoyan laughed: “Actually, I think you two make a good pair.”
What nonsense.
After enlarging the video, Song Zhi surprisingly found that the person filming had captured her looking quite good.
No wonder the comments were filled with praise for her charisma.
Though Song Zhi had a large fanbase, most were male fans. The dramatic diva persona didn’t seem to be particularly popular in the entertainment industry.
This was the first time Song Zhi had seen so many women praising her at once.
Tang Xiaoyan generously offered: “Even though He Hanyang is my husband, I’m not unwilling to give him to you.”
Song Zhi locked her phone and placed it back on the center console, explaining: “He and I aren’t what you think.”
Tang Xiaoyan perked up her gossipy ears: “Oh? Tell me more.”
Song Zhi was amused by her antics: “I’ve only met him twice. I don’t even remember what he looks like clearly.”
Tang Xiaoyan lamented: “I think he’s much better than that old dog Jiang Yanzhou. A younger wild pup, though he does like to curse sometimes.”
Tang Xiaoyan was a long-time fan of He Hanyang.
She had been a fan since his days in the youth training camp. He wasn’t talkative, but his sniper skills were godlike—every shot a headshot, brutal and ruthless, earning him the nickname “Sniper God.”
His first competition led his team to win the world championship.
Last year, just turning eighteen, the club eagerly signed him with Black Cat TV.
There were requirements for the number of streams and hours he had to fulfill each month.
Although he didn’t talk much, it didn’t mean he wouldn’t curse.
Where there were admirers, there were haters. Naturally, he had his share of black fans, constantly spamming his live stream with insults toward him and his family.
He Hanyang didn’t tolerate them. Lazily leaning back in his gaming chair, he stopped playing and turned on the mic to trade insults.
After that battle, his reputation as the esports philosopher was firmly established.
Every time he streamed, he got banned—
Never needing to end the stream himself.
The “Chosen One.”
What Tang Xiaoyan didn’t expect was that someone like He Hanyang, who had no interest in anything other than gaming, would also be into the whole celebrity fandom thing.
She only discovered this a few days ago while watching his live stream. It happened because his cat accidentally bumped into the camera during the stream, causing the lens to shift slightly.
Then, Tang Xiaoyan spotted the posters plastered on the wall next to his bed.
From Song Zhi’s debut photo shoot with her girl group to the stills from her latest drama—everything was there.
If she couldn’t become the “world’s aunt,” then being sisters wasn’t so bad either.
Tang Xiaoyan said: “Alright, you be the older sister, and I’ll be the younger one. Let’s coexist peacefully.”
Song Zhi rolled her eyes: “You’ve got some nerve.”
Tang Xiaoyan adopted a deeply insightful expression about love: “Women hurt by scumbags must stick together.”
Hurt by scumbags.
Upon hearing this, Song Zhi increasingly felt that Jiang Yanzhou truly was a scumbag.
Damn!
That heartless bastard—when even pets fall ill, at least they’d get visited.
And here she was, a living, breathing human being.
That little bit of sadness transformed into anger, burning fiercely in her chest.
She didn’t let Tang Xiaoyan take her home but instead went straight to a hotel.
Out of sight, out of mind—this was her life motto.
________________________________________
Xia Wanyue learned that she had been discharged and called her specifically: “Rest well these next few days, don’t overthink things.”
Her company had sent her overseas for work, and she wouldn’t return for another four days.
When Song Zhi was hospitalized a few days ago, all Xia Wanyue could do was worry helplessly.
Because of her concerns about this unpredictable factor, Xia Wanyue repeatedly reminded her: “Next time you go to any dinner or banquet, make sure to notify me beforehand, alright?”
Song Zhi opened the fridge, took out a bottle of water, and sat down on the sofa.
As she twisted the cap, she responded absently: “Alright.”
Remembering Tang Xiaoyan’s words in the car, she added: “My friend’s birthday party is in two days. Surely, I don’t need to report that?”
“That’s not necessary.”
Someone called out to Xia Wanyue on her end. After responding, she told Song Zhi: “I’m a bit busy right now. Make sure to sleep early these next few days and stay in top form. Don’t mess up the audition.”
“Got it, got it.”
Without even listening closely, Xia Wanyue could sense the dismissive tone in her voice.
The young girl was famously dramatic. Being dismissive wasn’t an issue as long as she—
Behaved herself and didn’t cause trouble.
After hanging up, Song Zhi unconsciously scrolled through her messages again.
Jiang Yanzhou’s chat remained blank.
He had handled her hospital admission procedures—he definitely knew she had been discharged.
Yet, not a single word of concern. Not even a period. He didn’t bother.
________________________________________
Tang Xiaoyan’s birthday party was something Song Zhi didn’t particularly want to attend.
In previous years, her birthdays were celebrated with just a few friends. But this year, though it was called a birthday party, it was essentially the same old networking event for high society.
Since the main guest was someone else, to avoid stealing the spotlight, Song Zhi wore a white dress.
It was from the brand she endorsed last year.
Her makeup was light, giving her a cold and pure look that contrasted with her usual style.
Tang Xiaoyan herself wasn’t someone who liked to stand out, and today’s outfit was appropriately modest.
As the hostess and the center of attention, she was naturally surrounded by people.
Several wealthy young ladies gathered around her, discussing the small, seemingly unremarkable yet exceedingly expensive items they wore.
All pampered since birth, they had high standards. Mutual disdain was common among them, often leading to arguments.
Tang Xiaoyan spotted Song Zhi and hurried over: “Rarely on time.”
Shamelessly, Song Zhi retorted: “When have I ever been late?”
Tang Xiaoyan corrected her: “Shouldn’t the question be, when have you not been late?”
The socialites noticed Song Zhi and raised their noble chins: “Oh, you’re here alone today? Where’s Jiang Yanzhou? Didn’t he accompany you?”
They harbored no fondness for Song Zhi—half jealousy, half disdain.
Jealous of her beauty and Jiang Yanzhou’s exclusive affection, and disdainful of her status.
Around Jiang Yanzhou, there was no shortage of rich girls trying desperately to get close to him.
Among those present, aside from Tang Xiaoyan, who dared not entertain any inappropriate thoughts about him, everyone else belonged to the “desperate” category.
News of Xun Yue’s return had already spread throughout the circle.
The Xun family was a prominent local clan in Beicheng—high thresholds, perfectly matched with Jiang Yanzhou.
Another person chimed in teasingly: “I heard that Jiang Yanzhou has been spending time with Xun Yue recently. When would he have time to see her?”
The barbs in her words were blatant and unfiltered.
Before Song Zhi could respond, Tang Xiaoyan was already infuriated: “Did you eat something foul before coming here today? Why are your mouths so filthy?”
“You…” She gritted her teeth. “Which part of what I said isn’t true?”
“True your mother.” Tang Xiaoyan acted like a protective hen, disregarding what they said. “Today is my territory. If anyone says another word, I’ll have security throw you out immediately.”
These ladies were usually treated like precious jewels—cherished and protected.
When had they endured such humiliation? Furious, they walked away.
After they left, Tang Xiaoyan consoled Song Zhi: “Don’t pay attention to their gossip.”
Song Zhi’s hometown wasn’t actually in Beicheng; she came here for university.
The Song family in Heshi was considered a scholarly household, a prominent family.
Back when her grandfather was alive, his students and followers were spread across the country.
Every day, various admirers would come.
Song Zhi was like a princess spoiled in a castle, ignorant of worldly affairs, delicate and troublesome.
She was exceptionally picky about everything.
But no matter how difficult or demanding she was, her family always doted on her, indulging her every whim.
All of this stemmed from the love she received since childhood.
Even her short-tempered brother Song Luo would grumble while taking her cup outside to cool the water when she complained it was too hot.
The pride cultivated since childhood was different from what developed later.
Song Zhi’s confidence radiated from within.
Wherever she went, she was the most dazzling presence.
But ever since she came into Jiang Yanzhou’s life, everything seemed to change.
She was despised, referred to as Jiang Yanzhou’s lover behind her back.
She always appeared indifferent, even mocking herself.
But for someone who had always been proud, bearing such insults daily was like snapping a hard, sharp sword in half.
She felt hurt, thinking countless times of her family.
If her grandfather were still alive, if Song Luo were still by her side, they wouldn’t let her endure such humiliation.
But because she loved Jiang Yanzhou, she had to bear it.
She could ignore all of that.
But what she couldn’t tolerate was Jiang Yanzhou’s inexplicable neglect and indifference.
It was as if he truly regarded her as a pet cat—summoned at will and dismissed just as easily.
Song Zhi took a deep breath,
Afraid Tang Xiaoyan would notice her distress, she casually made up an excuse: “I’m going to the restroom.”
With her thick skin, Tang Xiaoyan naturally didn’t notice anything amiss and nodded: “I’ll go greet those uncles first and come find you later.”
Leaving the hall, she entered a quiet corridor, finally free from that suffocating atmosphere.
Song Zhi didn’t particularly enjoy banquets with too many people.
The restroom was at the far end, next to the balcony. A bit further out was a designated smoking area.
The lighting here was different from the hall—dim and somewhat ambiguous, seemingly designed for impatient couples to engage in intimate acts.
At the end of the corridor, the window was half-open, letting in the night breeze, chilling to the bone.
She was wearing very little today, and the thin fabric offered no protection against the cold.
She quickened her pace, wanting to reach the restroom quickly. The door to the smoking area opened.
A man in a dark suit emerged, rarely seen with a slicked-back hairstyle. His cold, handsome face was fully revealed, with exquisite and hard-edged brow bones.
An air of nonchalant nobility surrounded him, along with the lingering scent of tobacco.
Song Zhi almost forgot—Tang Xiaoyan’s birthday, as an elder, Jiang Yanzhou should naturally attend.
Seeing her here, Jiang Yanzhou showed no surprise, nor any other emotions.
Still calm and composed, he quietly watched her.
As if waiting for her to speak first.
Contrary to his wishes, Song Zhi rolled her eyes and cursed under her breath: “Asshole.”
She sidestepped him and walked away.
The sound behind her made her pause momentarily.
Approaching calls, clearly brimming with unrestrained excitement: “Big Brother Yan Zhou.”
The voice was sweet and deliberately softened.
She turned to look.
A young girl in a white dress, with flowing black hair and a slender waist, pouted and complained to him: “That taxi driver was so annoying when I came here earlier. If our car hadn’t broken down, I wouldn’t have taken a taxi.”
Song Zhi crossed her arms, leaning against the wall, smirking at Jiang Yanzhou: “Your taste seems mass-produced. Even if you’re cheating, shouldn’t you at least try something different?”
The girl, hearing the voice, finally noticed someone standing in the shadows.
Upon recognizing her face, she was visibly stunned for a moment.
Song Zhi’s gaze remained fixed on her, naturally capturing the change in her expression.
It was as if she knew her.
But Song Zhi didn’t recall ever meeting this person in her life.
Jiang Yanzhou’s brows furrowed slightly. His throat, still raspy from smoking, croaked as he called her name: “Song Zhi.”
That voice sounded familiar.
When he was lost in passion, releasing his desires, he would call her name in that same hoarse tone.
As if the name “Song Zhi” held some special magic, calling her until she had no strength left to respond.
Song Zhi tilted her head, still wearing that radiant smile: “Isn’t it a bit inappropriate to do that kind of thing in this place?”
Having been with Jiang Yanzhou for so many years, she knew better than anyone how to provoke him in the shortest time.
Sure enough, the furrows between his brows deepened, suppressing the rising emotions in his eyes.
Maintaining her most elegant and composed posture, Song Zhi left the scene and entered the restroom.
The moment the door closed, she felt as if all her strength had been drained.
Perhaps Xu Lanan wasn’t entirely lying.
She and Xun Yue not only shared similar cutesy personalities but even their voices were somewhat indistinguishable.
She had always thought that Jiang Yanzhou kept her around because he was a straightforward man with no resistance to clingy, dramatic women.
Who would have thought that all his preferences had a prototype.
Song Zhi suddenly found it amusing—so he wasn’t ungentle; his gentleness just wasn’t directed at her.
Her eyes stung terribly, but she couldn’t cry. Song Zhi walked to the sink and splashed cold water on her face.
Once her mood gradually relaxed, she reapplied her makeup.
Only then did she push the door open and leave.
Losing doesn’t mean losing grace.
Even if she were a white lotus, she would be the most beautiful one.
Outside the restroom door, in the corridor, Jiang Yanzhou raised his eyes to look at her.
He must have been waiting there since Song Zhi entered the restroom.
This was evident from the cigarette butt still smoldering in the ashtray next to him.
Clearly extinguished not long ago, it was still emitting a faint wisp of smoke.
Seeing Song Zhi, he stepped away from the cold wall, stood upright, and casually stubbed out the remaining cigarette in the ashtray.
Noticing her slightly red eyes, he frowned slightly and asked softly: “Did you cry?”
Song Zhi snapped back irritably: “None of your damn business.”
Then she sidestepped him and walked away.
Jiang Yanzhou quickly followed. With his long legs, each of his steps nearly equaled two of hers.
Song Zhi couldn’t shake him off.
Unwilling to answer, Jiang Yanzhou also had no intention of pressing her.
He just followed silently beside her, saying nothing, like an invisible presence.
Tang Xiaoyan, having just finished greeting all the elders, was about to take Song Zhi to get something to eat when she saw the man behind her and faltered slightly.
She stammered as she greeted him: “Unc... Uncle.”
Jiang Yanzhou merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
This cold tone was something Tang Xiaoyan was used to.
She linked arms with Song Zhi and whispered: “What’s going on?”
“Who knows.”
Song Zhi didn’t feel like recounting her restroom encounter to Tang Xiaoyan here.
Although Jiang Yanzhou remained silent, Tang Xiaoyan couldn’t completely ignore his presence.
The atmosphere remained frozen.
Until a few of her cousins arrived, holding wine glasses to wish her a happy birthday, politely clinking glasses with Song Zhi as well.
Though her body hadn’t fully recovered, Song Zhi felt it would be impolite to outright refuse, so she intended to take a small sip for show.
Just as she lifted her glass, her wrist was grabbed. Jiang Yanzhou, with a dark expression, took the glass from her hand: “It’s only been a few days since your alcohol poisoning. Have you forgotten the pain so soon?”
No wonder he had been following her—he was keeping an eye on this.
Song Zhi’s temper flared: “I’m drinking today, whether you like it or not.”
Even the softest cat would scratch when provoked.
At this moment, Song Zhi was that scratching cat.
Rarely, Jiang Yanzhou showed a hint of anger.
It seemed he was upset about her disregard for her own health.
Before he could act on it, an elder approached with a wine glass, smiling at Jiang Yanzhou: “Yan Zhou, Uncle has something to discuss with you privately.”
Jiang Yanzhou was clearly displeased but maintained politeness after a long silence, nodding slightly.
Before leaving, he cast an uneasy glance at Song Zhi and told Tang Xiaoyan: “Keep an eye on her. Don’t let her drink.”
Tang Xiaoyan dared not contradict him and nodded fervently.
Once he was far enough away, Tang Xiaoyan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Fuck, I almost thought I was going to die. Song Zhi, how do you manage to be alone with him without trembling? I admire you so much.”
Song Zhi replied: “I tremble occasionally.”
Tang Xiaoyan was puzzled: “Does he yell at you often?”
“The trembling I refer to is a natural physiological reaction when certain feelings reach their peak.”
Song Zhi thought she was quite the optimist—no matter how sad she felt, she still managed to crack a few jokes.
Today’s birthday party could be described as both a networking event and a matchmaking session for second-generation elites.
Those invited were all influential and wealthy individuals from Beicheng.
Xu Lanan dressed exceptionally grandly and even deliberately arrived late, hoping to attract attention as the finale.
Little did she know, no one paid her any heed.
Feeling extremely frustrated, she spotted Song Zhi and Tang Xiaoyan and hurried over, lifting her skirt.
“Everyone’s dancing already. Why are you three still standing here like fools?”
Tang Xiaoyan shot her a glare: “Aren’t you also standing here like an idiot?”
Xu Lanan loved to stir up trouble, but she always ended up losing arguments.
She huffed and ended the confrontation herself.
At such gatherings, the men mostly discussed business-related topics.
In a corner of the hall, the man who had called Jiang Yanzhou over was speaking to him.
However, his gaze kept drifting over here, not listening attentively.
Song Zhi’s eyes rose slightly, just meeting his gaze.
Before she could look away, Xun Yue walked over, looking pitiful, and clung to the arm of the man who was talking, seemingly pouting.
Xu Lanan noticed Song Zhi’s gaze: “Xun Yue’s father made his fortune in shipping. She’s a true heiress. Some people are quite pleased being a substitute.”
Tang Xiaoyan’s face darkened: “What the hell are you blabbering about?”
Startled by Tang Xiaoyan’s sudden fierceness, Xu Lanan looked somewhat aggrieved: “I’m just stating facts. Their families are old acquaintances, and both sets of parents intended for them to marry. Moreover, Xun Yue and Jiang Yanzhou grew up together as childhood sweethearts. If Xun Yue hadn’t gone abroad for a few years, how could it have been Song Zhi’s turn?”
Substitute, childhood sweetheart, old acquaintances.
These words stung painfully. Song Zhi’s pride couldn’t bear staying here any longer.
She wished Tang Xiaoyan a happy birthday: “I’m still feeling unwell, so I’ll head back first.”
Though Tang Xiaoyan was somewhat worried, she didn’t say anything.
She nodded and reminded her: “Be careful on your way.”
The weather was cold today, and the wind was strong, but luckily, taxis were easy to find by the roadside. Song Zhi managed to hail one almost immediately after stepping out.
The warmth inside the car enveloped her chilled body, slowly thawing the cold that had seeped into her bones.
She loved Jiang Yanzhou—she had loved him since her naive school days.
But she was no longer the fearless high school girl named Song Zhi who would throw herself headfirst into love.
She couldn’t bear to face his coldness and detachment anymore, nor did she have the courage to carry the label of being a “stand-in.”
The pride and dignity of the Song family weren’t meant to be trampled upon by some worthless man.
Song Zhi snapped the supplementary card Jiang Yanzhou had given her in half and took out her phone to send him a message:
[Song Zhi: Let’s break up, you bastard.]
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