Wen Qian was surprised.
She told Lin Xiangwan that Qin Ou was the son of the Wen family’s housekeeper. He had dropped out of middle school to train in boxing and, after coming of age, had worked as a bodyguard for the Wen family.
“I thought Qin Ou was loyal to the core. Who knew he’d be dazzled by beauty the moment he met you? What an ungrateful wolf I raised!” Wen Qian said theatrically, as if disappointed and exasperated.
Lin Xiangwan slipped into her high heels and tossed the car keys to Qin Ou.
“I’m heading to the reception first. He’s with me now anyway. I’ll treat you to a meal another day to thank you!”
She hung up and sat in the back seat with her eyes closed, rubbing her temples again.
Qin Ou started the car and glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “You have a headache. Should we stop by a pharmacy for some painkillers?”
“No need.” Lin Xiangwan opened her eyes, her gaze drifting over him.
When she noticed his ears turning red, she said calmly, “There will be a lot of male bosses at the reception. I’m afraid of getting handsy during socializing. I brought you to keep them at bay.”
Before Qin Ou could respond, she continued, “I chose you because you’re attentive. I want you as my bodyguard and driver. Whatever your reason for following me, I’m not interested in men at this stage.”
She was decisive ruthless, even. In that regard, Jiang Shijing was the opposite, scattering affection everywhere.
But Lin Xiangwan liked to make things clear. Hiring someone was purely out of necessity, without mixing in anything else.
She didn’t want to unknowingly incur another emotional debt.
Qin Ou’s eyes dimmed briefly before he nodded lightly.
Lin Xiangwan said nothing more, turning her head to watch the night scenery outside.
The lights flickered across her features as the car sped forward, casting shifting shadows over her brows and eyes, giving her a languid, seductive air.
Qin Ou stole several glances at her in the rearview mirror.
The car entered the underground garage behind the reception venue.
When they reached the hall, Lin Xiangwan signaled for Qin Ou to wait in a corner.
“If anyone seems off, come up with an excuse and take me away.”
With that, she went to greet Zhou Yan.
The partner she’d met that afternoon had come directly to Fanxing and signed the contract with her project department staff. Since it was too late, Lin Xiangwan hadn’t notified the shareholders.
Zhou Yan had done her a big favor. And since tonight’s gathering was hosted by him, it was only proper to offer a toast.
Jiang Shijing wasn’t by Zhou Yan’s side only a few business partners which made her feel somewhat more at ease.
“President Zhou.”
Holding a glass of champagne, Lin Xiangwan walked over.
The men turned and couldn’t help but pause.
Her figure was graceful, dressed in a smoky teal gown. A circle of pearls adorned the neckline, hinting at her curves seductive without the slightest vulgarity. Her petal-like delicate face was so stunning that it added a touch of purity, like a lotus rising unsullied from the mud.
Someone immediately joked, “Which family’s daughter is this beauty? Absolutely gorgeous.”
“Could she be President Zhou’s date tonight?”
Lin Xiangwan smiled warmly. “I’m Lin Xiangwan, current president of Fanxing.”
“Lin Xiangwan? Isn’t that…”
Their expressions stiffened, and they quickly found excuses to leave.
Zhou Yan took a sip of wine, smiling faintly. “You’re quite good at using me as a shield.”
“How can that be called a shield? Everyone knows I ran away from my wedding.” She clinked glasses with him, her every gesture carrying a unique elegance.
Zhou Yan gritted his teeth, thinking no wonder his cousin had been wrapped around her finger, and the thought slipped out. “So Miss Lin is quite skilled at manipulation. No wonder Shijing was played in the palm of your hand back then.”
Her smile faded slightly as she looked at him directly.
Sensing her displeasure, Zhou Yan paused but remained confident. “What? Am I wrong?”
“No, President Zhou is right. Who told Jiang Shijing to be unlucky enough to stumble with me?”
Setting down her glass, Lin Xiangwan excused herself to the restroom.
Seeing her leave, Qin Ou instinctively moved to follow.
She shook her head, signaling that she wanted a moment alone.
Inside a stall, she let out a slow breath.
The one who had been hurt back then had somehow become the perpetrator in everyone’s eyes.
She had thought she didn’t care. She had thought that after returning home, she could focus solely on the company.
Yet she still dreamed of that night again and again, reliving heartbreak and despair.
Now Zhou Yan’s words stirred up grievance and anger.
Just as Lin Xiangwan steadied herself and reached to open the door, a coquettish voice sounded outside.
“Oh, Young Master Jiang, what are you doing! Don’t move around.”
“Mmm… ah, that hurts!”
Then came a man’s low chuckle, deep and teasing. “Then I’ll be gentler?”
Lin Xiangwan’s hand paused on the door, her fingers tightening.
It was Jiang Shijing.
And that woman was clearly not Bai Zhiran.
She had thought the actress incident was a misunderstanding. Now it seemed Jiang Shijing simply couldn’t stand loneliness cheating behind his girlfriend’s back.
Closing her eyes, her heart sank, yet she also felt a trace of relief.
Thankfully, she had run away three years ago. Otherwise, she’d already be wearing a field of green on her head.
She decided to walk out and embarrass them directly.
If Jiang Shijing dared to fool around in a restroom, what did she have to avoid?
She pushed open the stall door and walked out.
The two by the sink turned around. Jiang Shijing’s hand was still in the woman’s hair, helping her remove a strand of ribbon tangled there.
They stood close, but not in any compromising position.
Lin Xiangwan had been ready to let out a sarcastic laugh, but the sight surprised her.
Their posture was almost too proper, leaving her momentarily at a loss.
Jiang Shijing’s lips curved. “Isn’t this Miss Lin? Did we disturb you with the noise?”
His eyes were filled with obvious amusement.
Though Lin Xiangwan had heard countless rumors of his romantic escapades over the years, seeing it herself still felt unreal.
Even three years ago, when she’d heard his cold, heartless words, she’d only seen his profile under dim lighting.
In her memory, Jiang Shijing was most often gentle and attentive, looking at her like a loyal dog, doting on her and calling her Wanwan.
Now he stood clearly divided from the man he had been three years ago, making her realize that more than a thousand days was enough for everything to change.
“You didn’t disturb me. Please continue,” she said coolly, adding, “A comb would work better.”
The woman glanced between them, gossip flashing in her eyes, and said thank you.
Lin Xiangwan didn’t respond and walked out without looking back.
A soft laugh followed her.
When she turned around, he was already close.
In the dim corridor, Jiang Shijing approached.
He carried the scent of orange tobacco she didn’t know what brand he smoked, but it smelled good.
Ignoring him, she continued walking.
Suddenly, her wrist was grabbed.
Jiang Shijing pulled her into the stairwell. In the darkness, his cool fingertips traced the corner of her lips.
A shiver ran through her. In the dark, she heard his smiling voice.
“You looked beautiful storming out just now. Lin Xiangwan, why do I feel like you were jealous? Don’t tell me you still have feelings for me?”
She frowned and pushed him away coldly. “You’re overthinking. I just can’t stand people messing around in restrooms.”
“So righteous? As if you’ve never messed around before.”
Thick-skinned as ever, Jiang Shijing leaned in again without hesitation. His thin lips found that delicate earlobe.