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Even when he spoke, it felt like he was interrogating a criminal.
Song Zhi had liked him for many years. Back then, she often fantasized that once they were together, Jiang Yan Zhou would surely be melted by her cuteness.
Although she didn’t know what he had experienced to become so aloof, Song Zhi believed that as long as she gave him enough love, shining brightly like a little sun to warm him every day,
One day, Jiang Yan Zhou would also learn to smile more.
But Song Zhi gave up.
He simply didn’t deserve love.
She loathed this kind of life. Her pride from being spoiled since childhood was utterly devalued in front of Jiang Yan Zhou.
Song Zhi took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress the bitterness: “Jiang Yan Zhou, do you think I’m doing all this just to get your attention?”
She wanted to hold back, but she failed.
Hot tears streaked down her cheeks, burning slightly.
Jiang Yan Zhou’s expression changed slightly as he looked at her red-rimmed eyes, hesitating before speaking: “Song Zhi...”
Song Zhi interrupted him: “Don’t overthink it. The reason I’m crying isn’t because I’m reluctant to let go of this relationship or you. I’m just lamenting how foolish I was to waste so many years on someone unworthy.”
Every word, every sentence she spoke was sharp like a sword.
Song Zhi thought she could wound Jiang Yan Zhou.
But she forgot—someone without a heart can never be hurt.
After a brief pause, his words remained terrifyingly rational: “I hope we can calmly talk about this.”
“If my unintentional mistakes made you upset, you can tell me.”
“Getting angry without explaining only wastes both our time.”
He was always rational, frighteningly so.
What good would it do if she told him?
All she would get in return were more expensive jewels and houses. He wouldn’t even comfort her with an extra word.
They weren’t really boyfriend and girlfriend.
Song Zhi was tired of this life, being treated like a substitute, labeled as a gold-digger by outsiders.
Her passionate feelings meant nothing to Jiang Yan Zhou.
“I’m tired of being with you. Is that okay to say?”
Jiang Yan Zhou looked weary; he softened his tone: “If it’s because of those remarks about Xun Yue, I apologize. I only found out a few days ago and dealt with it immediately.”
When did she finally lose hope completely?
Perhaps it was the day she suddenly realized that Jiang Yan Zhou had always treated her with a business-like attitude.
Books say that loving someone means giving them special treatment that’s different from others.
But Jiang Yan Zhou treated everyone the same.
Even now, with her eyes swollen from crying, he was still there, rationally explaining.
Cold, devoid of any emotion.
She dug her nails into her palm, trying to use pain to replace sadness.
Song Zhi held back her tears, trying not to appear pitiful: “Then give me one reason not to break up with you.”
Jiang Yan Zhou paused, handing her a contract: “This is the company’s share transfer agreement.”
So he came prepared.
Song Zhi took the contract and smiled: “Such a big gesture.”
Seeing her smile, Jiang Yan Zhou seemed to breathe a sigh of relief: “Just sign it, and this contract will be legally binding.”
Without blinking, Song Zhi tore the contract in half.
The night in the city center was never quiet. In the distance, there were car horns honking, and occasionally pedestrians passed by, discussing where to have fun next.
Song Zhi’s voice was low and soft, sweet and coquettish. Whatever she said sounded like flirting.
Even when cursing.
She said: “Jiang Yan Zhou, you really make me feel disgusted.”
A car on the left turned on its high beams, hurting her eyes. Jiang Yan Zhou reached forward, trying to take her hand.
But the light was too blinding, and he missed.
“Don’t mention breaking up. I can give you anything you want.”
Song Zhi didn’t want to waste any more words with him. She flagged down a taxi and got in to leave.
________________________________________
When Song Zhi called Xia Wanyue, the latter was just about to sleep: “My lady, shouldn’t you be sleeping if you plan to yawn at the set tomorrow?”
Song Zhi had just cried, her voice heavy with nasal congestion: “I’m looking at apartments.”
“Looking at apartments?”
“Yeah, my brother will be out soon, and I can’t keep living in hotels.”
Xia Wanyue only knew some basic things about Song Zhi’s family, like her brother being in prison.
When did Song Zhi, this ethereal fairy who never seemed to need anything, start needing to look for apartments herself?
Xia Wanyue got out of bed, putting on clothes while complaining: “You’re really something else.”
She drove to the destination where the real estate agent was introducing the apartment’s advantages to Song Zhi.
“River-view apartment, great scenery, CBD across the lake, and it’s very quiet at night.”
Song Zhi listened, dumbfounded.
After Xia Wanyue arrived, the agent repeated everything he had just said.
Xia Wanyue asked him some detailed questions about the apartment.
Song Zhi asked her: “What do you think?”
Xia Wanyue nodded: “The apartment is nice, but the price isn’t cheap. Are you… okay with it right now?”
Song Zhi knew what her hesitation meant.
It was basically questioning whether, without Jiang Yan Zhou as her benefactor, renting such an expensive apartment would be too extravagant.
Feeling a bit indignant about Xia Wanyue’s condescension, Song Zhi retorted: “I have money, okay.”
Xia Wanyue nodded: “Yes, yes, you are a modern independent woman, more than capable of supporting yourself.”
Only after saying this did she notice Song Zhi’s slightly swollen eyes: “Did you cry?”
Song Zhi admitted frankly: “I mourned the death of my first love.”
Xia Wanyue exclaimed: “Your first love died?”
“You could say that.”
After all, Jiang Yan Zhou was already dead to her :)
Song Zhi was currently at the peak of her career ascent, and Xia Wanyue didn’t want any romantic news to come out at this time.
This situation was fine.
She patted Song Zhi’s shoulder and earnestly advised: “Focus on your career and put relationships aside. Think about those things later when your career stabilizes.”
“I understand.”
Everything that needed to be said had been cleared up. Song Zhi now felt a sense of relief.
Dating wasn’t as fulfilling as building a career.
Rather than wasting time on a worthless man, she might as well strive to become a successful, accomplished woman with fame and wealth.
When she had money, she could have any kind of man she wanted.
________________________________________
After checking out the apartment, they picked a suitable day to sign the contract.
Xia Wanyue drove her back to the hotel, reminding her: “Go to bed early tonight.”
Song Zhi, unfastening her seatbelt, replied absentmindedly: “Got it.”
Just as she was about to open the door and get out, she glanced up and saw Jiang Yan Zhou waiting outside.
Seeing her stop halfway through opening the car door, Xia Wanyue asked curiously: “What’s wrong?”
Following her gaze, she spotted a familiar face.
Teasingly, she remarked: “Wow, is this a zombie apocalypse?”
Song Zhi re-fastened her seatbelt: “I’ll sleep at your place tonight.”
Xia Wanyue thought she misheard: “Huh?”
“Not welcome?”
“Not particularly.”
Song Zhi furrowed her brows.
Xia Wanyue laughed: “But there’s a tiny bit of welcome.”
As she backed the car while looking in the rearview mirror, she couldn’t help but gossip: “Is he blocking you?”
“Who knows.”
“It’s getting colder tonight. Aren’t you worried your precious ex-boyfriend might catch a cold?”
Song Zhi sneered: “I hope he freezes to death.”
Xia Wanyue shook her head in amazement. When this woman got tough, ordinary people couldn’t handle her.
The hotel only had one main entrance, and Jiang Yan Zhou had been waiting there for a long time.
Song Zhi had blocked all his contact methods. Even when he used someone else’s phone to call her, she didn’t answer.
So he could only wait here for her to return.
Time ticked away, minute by minute. It was already 2 AM.
Annoyance gradually built up inside him. Seeing her hurried expression earlier, it seemed she had an appointment with someone.
Still not back this late, he wondered who the other person was, male or female.
The hotel manager approached, his voice respectful: “Mr. Jiang, I’ll have someone open Miss Song’s room door for you. You might as well wait inside. It’s windy here; don’t catch a cold.”
Song Zhi was a regular customer, and the manager only learned today that she knew Jiang Yan Zhou.
Indeed, appearances can be deceiving. Despite her pure looks, she was quite resourceful.
Perhaps staying here long-term was premeditated after finding out this hotel belonged to Shen Huan Group, just to get closer to Jiang Yan Zhou.
He thought he had done well, giving Jiang Yan Zhou a way out while offering Song Zhi an opportunity, conveniently helping both parties.
Awaiting Jiang Yan Zhou’s response,
The latter coldly stared at him: “Are you usually this casual about leaking guests’ privacy?”
Caught off guard, the manager quickly explained: “No, I just...”
Clearly, Jiang Yan Zhou didn’t want to hear more nonsense: “Tomorrow, settle your wages with finance and leave.”
The manager trembled in fear, almost kneeling directly before him.
He shouldn’t have opened his mouth at this critical moment.
Not only did he fail to please anyone, but he also lost his job out of misplaced anger.
Certain that Song Zhi wouldn’t return, Jiang Yan Zhou left a phone number at the front desk: “If the guest in room 3940 returns, call me.”
The front desk staff nodded fervently, their faces flushed: “Okay... okay.”
Jiang Yan Zhou hesitated briefly: “If she’s been drinking, remember to have the kitchen prepare some hangover tea for her.”
After giving this instruction, he left.
Watching him board the black Maybach parked by the roadside, two front desk girls began gushing excitedly.
“Our boss is so handsome!!!”
“Pity the grass is already taken, sigh.”
“Wait, isn’t our hotel part of Shen Huan?” She looked at the business card, stunned speechless upon seeing the name: “Shen… President of Shen Huan!?”
The other quickly leaned over to see: “Holy crap, no wonder Song Zhi’s resources suddenly became so incredible. She hooked up with such a walking gold mine.”
Meanwhile, the subject of their discussion, Song Zhi herself, was busy discussing someone else.
She crushed the crispy noodles in her hand and poured them into her mouth in a very unrestrained manner: “You say Ji Song is handsome and has a good temper. How could someone like that get cheated on, and three times at that? Unbelievable.”
Xia Wanyue had just finished making her bed and came out to see the newly opened packaging in the trash bin, instantly feeling dizzy: “My lady, have you completely given up on managing your figure?”
Song Zhi sighed: “I just broke up. Don’t you think I deserve to eat more?”
To ease worries, there was nothing like indulging in food.
Only when her stomach was full could she stop thinking about sad things.
Considering she wasn’t always a big eater and today was a special case, Xia Wanyue could only endure the heartache, calculating her calorie intake and considering how many squats she should make her do the next day to burn it off: “I’ve only heard rumors. They say he likes women with wild personalities. With his personality, how could he handle that? So naturally, he got cheated on shortly after.”
“Tsk tsk tsk, never would have guessed he was quite punk.”
Xia Wanyue watched her finish the last bite of crispy noodles and urged: “Alright, now go take a shower and sleep.”
Song Zhi didn’t feel sleepy yet. Just as she was about to protest, her eyes fell on the clock on the wall.
Damn, it was already 2:30 AM.
Late nights always meant she couldn’t wake up the next morning.
Song Zhi caught some sleep in the car.
Xiao Xu was holding an iPad, checking today’s schedule. After finishing shooting in the afternoon, there was a magazine cover to shoot.
One of the top five publications.
Being featured was thanks to this movie.
Director Luo’s films were few but exquisite, each becoming household names.
Let alone this film, which hadn’t been shooting for long but was already highly anticipated.
Song Ji is arguably the hottest star these days. She has topped the hot search list several times due to her scandalous relationship with He Han Yang.
The car stopped outside the studio, waking Song Zhi.
She pulled off her eye mask, yawned, and looked out the window: “Why did we arrive so fast today? No traffic jams?”
“Fast?” Xia Wanyue opened the car door: “It took an hour and a half.”
Early in the morning, it was still a bit cold. Wrapped in a thin blanket, Song Zhi followed Xia Wanyue listlessly.
The latter criticized her as they walked: “Next time, go to bed by 10:30.”
She nodded absently: “Got it.”
The crew was having breakfast. Compared to the usual soy milk and buns, today’s spread looked much more lavish.
The takeout boxes were from Tengyu Pavilion, a restaurant with a frighteningly high per-person cost.
Xiao Xu’s eyes sparkled: “Did Director Luo win the lottery? Such extravagance today.”
The extras eating nearby overheard and chuckled: “It’s from Song Zhi’s fans. They say all catering for the entire crew has been covered for the duration.”
Song Zhi was astonished. At this rate, covering meals for the entire crew until filming ended might bankrupt them.
Even Zhang Fanfan, who never ate at the set, had her assistant pick up a portion. Seeing Song Zhi, she flipped her long hair: “Never would have guessed, you’ve got quite the influence.”
Song Zhi shrugged, saying nothing, and entered the makeup room.
There was a portion waiting for her on her seat, but it was the Plus version.
Lavishness plus, delicacy plus.
There was also a sticky note attached.
Curious, she approached and peeled off the note.
[Breakfast should be eaten on time.]
Recognizing the handwriting immediately, Song Zhi didn’t bother guessing who it was from.
Without a second thought, she shredded the note and threw it along with the lunch box into the trash.
Same old tricks.
As always, solving everything with money.
The special assistant knocked and entered: “Mr. Jiang, the items have been delivered as per your request.”
Jiang Yan Zhou had just finished a meeting and was leaning back in his chair, resting his eyes.
Hearing the assistant’s words, he opened his eyes and grunted softly.
Last night, waiting for a call, he hadn’t slept a wink.
His phone remained silent throughout the night.
Which meant Song Zhi hadn’t returned all night.
He rubbed his brow bone, his voice hoarse from fatigue: “Go ahead and get to work.”
The assistant responded and exited, returning the office to silence.
There was a class reunion at noon, and Jiang Yan Zhou wasn’t interested in these nostalgic dinners. However, the persistent persuasion left him with no patience to argue further, so he reluctantly agreed.
The venue was a nearby lounge.
Scattered around the private booth were a few people.
Apart from Song Luo, Jiang Yan Zhou didn’t have many friends.
Moreover, after graduating high school and going abroad for studies, he barely remembered anyone sitting here.
Those few people seemed to remember him. Zhang Yiming enthusiastically stood up: “Jiang Yan Zhou, it’s been ages since we last met.”
Finishing his sentence, he added with a sigh: “It would be great if Song Luo were here too, but I heard he’s almost out.”
He asked the man sitting beside him: “Qin He, how much longer does Song Luo have before he’s released?”
Qin He.
Upon hearing this name, Jiang Yan Zhou’s pupils slightly dilated.
The man’s voice hadn’t changed, gentle as he smiled: “Two more months.”
Then, he stood up.
Approaching Jiang Yan Zhou, he extended his left hand: “Jiang Yan Zhou, long time no see.”
Jiang Yan Zhou didn’t move, his voice dry and raspy: “Does Song Zhi know you’re back?”
Unbothered by his coldness, Qin He lowered his ignored hand and thought of Song Zhi, his smile growing tender: “Not yet. I want to wait a few days, give her a surprise.”
Jiang Yan Zhou nodded, saying nothing more.
It felt like lead was filling his body, each step unbearably heavy.
Zhang Yiming seemed especially happy today, rarely gathering old classmates together.
He declared: “Tonight, we drink till we drop.”
Then, he filled everyone’s glasses.
He handed a glass to Jiang Yan Zhou, who seemed lost in thought. After calling his name several times, he gradually snapped out of it.
Zhang Yiming laughed: “What, afraid of getting scolded by your wife if you drink too much? Don’t worry, if your wife calls, I’ll explain. Drink freely tonight.”
Saying this, he pushed the glass forward.
Jiang Yan Zhou reached out silently, took it, and downed it in one gulp.
He had imagined many scenarios of Song Zhi leaving him.
He knew she would leave eventually; it was just a matter of time.
Some people’s affection could only remain from the day they first met.
Her purity and confidence seemed untainted by the mundane world, only to be admired from afar.
Yet Jiang Yan Zhou wanted to uproot this delicate flower.
Then place her in an expensive vase.
That way, only he could see her.
But she was too dazzling. Wherever she went, she was always the most eye-catching presence. She would smile and ask him: “Do you like me?”
She would also generously say: “If you like it, look a little longer.”
She was never stingy with her charm.
But the more she was like this, the more Jiang Yan Zhou wanted to avoid her.
Human emotions were like Pandora’s box.
Once opened, you never knew what kind of devil would be unleashed.
Moreover, it seemed she had someone she liked.
The first time Song Luo brought that person to him, he introduced him as: “This is my neighbor, also my friend, named Qin He.”
That was their first meeting.
Their second encounter was in the infirmary.
He heard Song Zhi had fallen during PE class, bleeding profusely, and was sent to the infirmary.
Skipping class by climbing out the window, he went to check on her.
Just in time to see Qin He gently consoling the sobbing girl. She whimpered about how much her knee hurt, concluding with: “If I could drink jasmine tea, maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much.”
She was skilled at being coquettish. Qin He helplessly patted her head: “Alright, I’ll go buy it for you now.”
The scene was warm and fitting.
The doctor saw Jiang Yan Zhou and asked where he was uncomfortable.
He casually mentioned a spot: “Just prescribe me some medicine.”
Sounds came from inside. Curious, Song Zhi lifted the curtain and looked at him: “Jiang Yan Zhou?”
He glanced at her indifferently, took the medicine from the school nurse, and left.
________________________________________
Countless times, he saw Song Zhi with Qin He.
She smiled at him, talked to him, and occasionally flirted.
Someone asked Song Luo: “Isn’t your sister dating Qin He?”
Busy texting a girl he fancied yesterday, Song Luo didn’t look up: “Ask her, why ask me?”
“I’m shy. My legs go weak whenever I see your sister. Ask her for me. See if I still have a chance.”
Song Luo shot back irritably: “My sister has high standards. She’d never look at someone like you.”
“What kind of guy does she like? I can change.”
“Someone like Qin He. She used to talk about marrying him when she grew up.”
Some unpleasant memories rushed back.
He had never been so afraid before.
In Song Zhi’s heart, he was always the second choice. He could only maintain their relationship with money.
But Qin He was back.
Everything would change.
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