Leaving the room, Qin Sang’s mind raced as she tried to think of a plan in case anyone tried to stop her. To her surprise, the way out was completely clear. No one blocked her path. Even the people she passed greeted her politely and respectfully.
Qin Sang didn’t have time to dwell on it. She hurried toward the main gate, only to realize that the villa was enormous, and being here for the first time, she had no idea where the exit was. Just as she hesitated, unsure of whom to ask for directions, a cheerful, childish laughter caught her attention. Instinctively, she looked toward the sound.
On the cobblestone path ran a little girl, maybe three or four years old, her short legs bouncing as she moved adorably.
The girl wore a soft pink princess dress and carried a bubble machine, sending colorful, shimmering bubbles floating in every direction.
Behind her, a striking woman in a high-end, traditional-style skirt, her long hair cascading in waves, followed, her eyes smiling as she called after the little girl:
“Zhi Zhi, slow down. We’re home now—don’t fall again.”
A few bodyguards carrying shopping bags trailed behind them.
The servants coming out of the villa called out anxiously: “Miss Zhi Zhi, slow down! Be careful, don’t fall!”
The scene looked like something out of a magazine: a lady of the house returning from a day out with the little mistress, shopping in hand, everyone attentive and polite.
Qin Sang stared for a moment, then recognized the beautiful woman: it was Wen Li.
The same woman who had once been engaged to Sheng Yu—the woman Sheng Yu had kept hidden from her. And because of her…
This must be their child.
The girl was beautiful and utterly adorable.
Qin Sang frowned. She had never seen any news about Sheng Yu marrying, and the Wen family had publicly announced the engagement’s cancellation. Could this be a secret marriage? After all, the lives of the wealthy were never straightforward.
It explained why her departure had been so smooth—likely because Sheng Yu didn’t want his fleeting lover to upset his lawful wife.
A servant noticed Qin Sang standing there in a daze and, assuming she was lost, quickly stepped forward to guide her out.
The night in Harbor City was dazzling, luxurious, and loud with life.
Jiang Yue dragged Qin Sang through the night market, noticing how exhausted and drained she looked.
“What did you get up to last night?” Jiang Yue teased, annoyed but grinning. “Playing hide-and-seek with someone?”
Qin Sang’s ears flushed as she fumbled: “N-no, don’t be ridiculous. I just couldn’t sleep in a strange place.”
“Huh~” Jiang Yue eyed her knowingly, a mischievous sparkle in her gaze. “Then why are you blushing? I heard the classmates you went to the bar with left early, and you went back alone to… get something.”
Jiang Yue nudged her shoulder playfully. “Be honest now—did you run into any sparks while getting your things?”
Qin Sang froze.
“Yes… that’s exactly what happened,” she admitted silently.
“No way… your ex is from Harbor City, right?” Jiang Yue said, incredulous. “You’re not serious?”
Qin Sang had no answer.
It was that coincidental.
“Ah, forget it!” She quickly changed the subject, heart pounding and cheeks warm. “Look—there’s an old-style photography studio up ahead. Let’s go take some pictures.”
The words were out before she could think. Panic flared: she still bore Sheng Yu’s marks.
Well… she’d just pick a costume that covered her well. That should keep her safe from further embarrassment.
Jiang Yue let herself be dragged along, pretending not to notice, a knowing smile on her face. “Fine, fine. You don’t want to talk, I won’t push. But one day, when you’re ready… you better tell me all about this ex of yours.”
Qin Sang felt even guiltier, like she was hiding something from her best friend. How could she explain last night? Ever since she’d reunited with Sheng Yu, her mind had been a mess, and somehow… she had ended up spending the night with her ex. Absurd.
At the studio, the photos were printed quickly. The two girls returned to the hotel with them.
Jiang Yue, a minor actress, immediately selected the best shots for her social media.
Afterward, the two girls lay on the bed, watching the movie projected on the ceiling. Qin Sang quickly fell asleep, exhausted, and Jiang Yue soon followed, leaving the issue unspoken.
The next morning, Jiang Yue complained about how boring the movie had been. Qin Sang nodded in agreement.
Jiang Yue left after breakfast for a shoot.
Qin Sang was in Harbor City for a software launch, which began at 4:30 p.m. Seeing the time, she left the hotel.
In deep autumn, she wore a white chiffon blouse with black pants and heels, topped with a beige trench coat. Simple, neat, and suitable for a tech conference.
Stepping onto the street, she reached to hail a cab—but a black Bentley stopped in front of her, the window rolling down.
She froze. Peering inside, she saw Sheng Yu in the back seat.
He tilted his head lazily toward her, his gaze assessing. “Get in.”
Qin Sang snapped out of her daze. “No, thank you, Sheng Sanye,” she said, stepping forward, intending to hail a cab a little further ahead.
But as she moved, the Bentley matched her pace effortlessly, giving her no chance to flag another car.
Frustrated, she clenched her bag strap and quickened her pace, refusing to look at Sheng Yu. She had already slept with him in a haze last night. The morning’s sight at his home still lingered in her mind. She couldn’t let herself ruin that.
The Bentley’s pace increased, unwavering, as if determined to follow her to the end.
Rumble—
The sky darkened suddenly, and thunder rolled.
Sheng Yu glanced at the sky, then at the stubborn girl walking ahead. Calmly, he remarked: “Miss Qin, it’s about to rain. You don’t have an umbrella.”
Qin Sang ignored him, quickening her steps. Still, she worried—what if it really rained? Luckily, a bus shelter appeared ahead.
Rumble—
Thunder rolled again, this time accompanied by the first drops of rain.
Instinctively, Qin Sang raised her hand to shield herself, bracing for a soaking. But no water fell. She looked up and saw a black umbrella hovering above her head.
Turning slightly, she recognized the familiar figure holding it.
“Ye Huai?” she called uncertainly. Both had changed a lot since last they met.
Ye Huai, Sheng Yu’s longtime friend.
“It’s me,” he said with a gentle smile. “Long time no see, Qin Sang.”
“Thank you,” Qin Sang replied awkwardly. “I’m not getting in the car. You must be busy—no need to hold the umbrella. Go back to your car.”