After sending the message, Su Hao lifted her head and met Zhou Yang’s gaze. The man was bracing himself against the sofa, looking back at her; anger flickered in his eyes.

 

Just then, Cheng Ling had gone to the restroom. Su Qian turned her head, sensed the tension between the two of them, and pulled Su Hao closer, asking, “What did he say you weren’t allowed to send?”

 

Su Hao withdrew her gaze and quietly explained a couple of sentences to Su Qian.

 

Su Qian laughed and looked at Zhou Yang. “What right do you have to tell Tang Rui not to message Su Hao? Or to say he can’t know her address? No matter what, Su Hao and Tang Rui were together for at least three years. And you? What about you?”

 

Zhou Yang’s eyes swept sharply toward Su Qian, his gaze dark and hostile.

 

Su Qian shot back, “Am I wrong?”

 

Zhou Yang didn’t say a word. He looked at Su Hao. Su Hao looked back at him, then her expression flattened and she turned her eyes away. The hand Zhou Yang had resting on the armrest clenched tighter and tighter.

 

Three years.

 

What did that even mean?

 

The woman in front of him had eaten, lived, and slept with another man.

 

And for some reason, his mind drifted back to that summer—when she had thrown herself into his arms over a button on his chest, and he had dodged her.

 

It was clearly a moment not worth remembering, yet it surfaced now, vivid and sharp. What expression had she worn back then?

 

And after he caught her—what expression then? When she failed to get that button, what had she said?

 

The more he thought about it, the tighter Zhou Yang’s fist became.

 

What was he even thinking about?!

 

“Hm?”

 

“Dinner’s ready.” The nanny’s voice called out.

 

Su Qian immediately pulled Su Hao toward the dining table. Just then, Cheng Ling came out of the restroom as well. Su Hao handed her a tissue to dry her hands and pulled out a chair for her. All the chairs in the Zhou household were custom-made—large and heavy, much bigger than the ones at home—so that Cheng Ling wouldn’t struggle to move them.

 

After Cheng Ling sat down and saw Zhou Yang, she asked Su Qian, “Zhou Yang, isn’t he eating?”

 

“Don’t worry about him,” Su Qian said, picking up food with the serving chopsticks.

 

Su Hao glanced at the man, then also picked up food for Cheng Ling. A few seconds later, Zhou Yang finished a cigarette and finally walked into the dining room. His expression had settled again; he still carried that lazy air about him. After pulling out a chair, he smiled and used the serving chopsticks to dish out food for the three women, a cigarette still pinched between his fingers.

 

Su Qian shot him a glare. “Put that cigarette out.”

 

Zhou Yang curled his lips into a smile. “Alright.”

 

He took another drag anyway. His shirt collar was open; the way he tilted his head looked charming and flirtatious, like a painting. Seeing this, Cheng Ling said quietly to Su Qian, “Zhou Yang has always been good-looking. A lot of girls must like him, right?”

 

“He’s unreliable—you know that,” Su Qian replied. These days she couldn’t really control Zhou Yang anymore, but she was worried about Su Hao. And even though Zhou Yang was pursuing Su Hao, she didn’t dare tell Cheng Ling. Given Zhou Yang’s reputation, Cheng Ling had heard plenty over the years; Su Qian was afraid saying it would only make her worry more.

 

Cheng Ling nodded. She knew.

 

Fortunately, Su Hao had been very calm—unlike before, when she’d been almost frantic.

 

The two mothers chatted about their children while the two younger people sat quietly eating. After Zhou Yang stubbed out his cigarette, he glanced at Su Hao several times. Su Hao focused on her food. There were shrimp on the table, so she started peeling them for the two mothers. She was always like this—careful, considerate, not talkative. To put it bluntly, she didn’t have much presence.

 

She was the same at work. That was also the general assessment from President Zeng and the others—but that was exactly why she was well suited to being a cashier.

 

After peeling several shrimp, her slender, fair fingers became stained with sauce. Zhou Yang watched, his gaze falling on her fingertips, unable to look away—until someone kicked his long leg hard from under the table.

 

He frowned and turned his head.

 

Su Qian leaned over, lowering her voice. “Watch where you’re looking!”

 

Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow and smiled. “What look?”

 

“You tell me.” Su Qian really was afraid Cheng Ling might find out—not only worried she’d be upset, but also that if things didn’t work out in the end, Cheng Ling’s health wouldn’t take it.

 

Zhou Yang fell silent. He smiled, lifted his bowl, and drank some soup.

 

Across from him, Su Hao glanced at him once, then quietly continued serving food to Cheng Ling.

 

After the meal, Su Qian wanted Cheng Ling to stay, but Cheng Ling wanted to see where Su Hao was living now—and even wanted to help her arrange the place.

 

Su Qian thought for a moment. “Alright then. I’ll take you back.”

 

“I’ll drive,” Zhou Yang said, sitting at the bar-height table by the wine cabinet as he set down his tablet.

 

Cheng Ling looked at Su Hao.

 

Su Qian clapped her hands. “Then Zhou Yang can take us. I haven’t really been to Su Hao’s place either.”

 

Su Hao smiled. “Okay.”

 

So the four of them got into the car. Before leaving, Cheng Ling loaded Su Qian up with lots of local specialties she’d brought from Hui City, making Su Qian’s eyes light up.

 

Grabbing Cheng Ling’s hand, she said, “How did you remember I like these?”

 

Cheng Ling glanced at her. “Back in college, you were always hoping I’d bring them for you.”

 

“I’m embarrassed now,” Su Qian laughed, covering her mouth.

 

The car started up. The two mothers chatted in the back seat, while the two in the front were unusually quiet. Su Hao looked down at her phone; Tang Rui had replied.

 

T: Okay. It’s not far from where I live.

 

Su Hao didn’t reply.

 

Her mother carried more resentment, but Su Hao herself didn’t hold that much against Tang Rui. Their divorce had been by agreement; neither side had forced the other. Over the years, they’d stayed in touch and knew each other’s circumstances. Of course, Tang Rui returning to the country without telling her was a bit unexpected—but it wasn’t a big deal.

 

“Who are you chatting with?” the man beside her asked in a low voice.

 

Su Hao looked up and realized they were almost at Huahui Residential Complex. She glanced toward the driver’s seat. Zhou Yang’s narrow eyes were fixed on her phone, emotions churning in them.

 

Even Shen He hadn’t affected him like this.

 

Tang Rui did.

 

“ Tang Rui,” Su Hao said.

 

Just as he thought.

 

Zhou Yang gripped the steering wheel hard.

 

A few seconds later, he let out a soft scoff, his voice neither loud nor quiet. “So you really are planning to remarry him?”

 

Su Hao didn’t answer—didn’t even feel like answering.

 

After crossing the overpass, the car arrived at Huahui. As they got closer, they saw a tall, refined-looking man standing downstairs, now dressed in a T-shirt and jeans.

 

He noticed the Hummer too. His excellent memory made Tang Rui study the vehicle closely as it pulled into a parking spot near the supermarket. After the car stopped, the two mothers in the back got out happily. Su Hao opened her door as well—but Zhou Yang suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. She looked up as he blocked her lips, kissing her hard and forcefully.

 

“Su Hao, you won’t be able to remarry him,” Zhou Yang said. That was all.

 

Then he let her go.

 

Su Hao frowned, wiped her mouth hard, shot him a look, and snapped, “You’re insane.”

 

It was the first time she’d ever cursed.

 

“Even if I remarry, it has nothing to do with you.”

 

She got out of the car and slammed the door shut.

 

Bang.

 

Zhou Yang didn’t get out. He fell back against the seat, closed his eyes.

 

His emotions were in turmoil.

 

Something felt wrong.

 

Outside, Su Qian and Cheng Ling were standing by the trunk. Seeing Su Hao, they waved her over. Su Hao walked up, and Cheng Ling nodded toward the person standing by the stairwell—Tang Rui.

 

“He came to see you?” Cheng Ling asked.

 

Tang Rui seemed a bit hesitant, standing there and looking over.

 

“Yes,” Su Hao replied.

 

She walked forward. Seeing this, Tang Rui also stepped closer—quickly—and greeted Su Qian and Cheng Ling first.

 

Tang Rui had always been the refined type. After years of career success, he looked more composed and steady now—similar to Zhou Qinkai’s type. Su Qian tried to find fault but couldn’t. As she was sizing him up, Cheng Ling tugged at her and said, “Shall we go upstairs first?”

 

Su Qian agreed, glanced back at the Hummer, and thought, Why hasn’t that bastard Zhou Yang gotten out yet?

 

Forget it.

 

As a mother, her feelings were too complicated.

 

She patted Su Hao on the shoulder, gave her an encouraging gesture, then went upstairs with Cheng Ling.

 

Once the elders left, only Su Hao and Tang Rui remained.

 

For a moment, neither knew what to say. Su Hao smiled faintly and took out a bank card, handing it to him.

 

“I don’t need this. You should take it back.”

 

Tang Rui said, “If you don’t take it, I won’t be able to sleep.”

 

Su Hao paused.

 

He added, “You’re not planning to calculate everything you did for my family, are you?”

 

“It was nothing,” Su Hao said.

 

“You say that, but I’ve always remembered it,” Tang Rui said, looking at her, his emotions surging. People can’t make mistakes—once they do, regret follows.

 

Over the years, busy with work, whenever he looked back, he always thought of her.

 

He handed her the bag he was holding.

 

Su Hao glanced at it but didn’t take it.

 

“This is the necklace your father gave you. Didn’t you lose it and keep looking for it?”

 

Su Hao froze. “You had it?”

 

She reached out and took it, looked down, and saw the diamond-shaped necklace in the box. Her eyes reddened. She smiled and said, “Really… thank you.”

 

Seeing her eyes turn red, Tang Rui clenched his fist.

 

Reunited with the lost necklace, Su Hao was excited. “Do you want to come upstairs for a bit?”

 

“This is where you live?” Tang Rui looked up.

 

“Yes.”

 

“She lives on the eighth floor.” A male voice came from behind them.

 

They turned. Zhou Yang had a cigarette in his mouth and walked over. He wrapped an arm around Su Hao’s waist without hesitation. “Care to come up and sit for a while, ex-husband?”

 

Su Hao struggled.

 

Zhou Yang’s jaw tightened as he held her firmly, domineering to the extreme. He narrowed his eyes at Tang Rui.

 

Tang Rui didn’t back down. This was the second time the two men had locked eyes today. Zhou Yang’s presence was overwhelming, suppressing Tang Rui—but Tang Rui refused to yield.

 

Su Hao broke free.

 

She raised her hand and slapped Zhou Yang across the face. He turned his head—then deliberately offered the other side, licking the corner of his lips with a grin.

 

“How about another one? Were you angry that earlier I only kissed you lightly?”

 

A light kiss.

 

Tang Rui clenched his fist, his voice hoarse. “Su Hao…”

 

But Su Hao wasn’t paying attention to him. She stared fiercely at Zhou Yang. This man was getting more outrageous by the minute.

 

“Get lost,” she said coldly, turning away.

 

She’d barely taken two steps when Zhou Yang stepped forward, hoisted her onto his shoulder from behind. Su Hao completely lost it. “Zhou Yang, put me down!”

 

Zhou Yang sneered. “Guess whether I will.”

 

Tang Rui snapped out of it and chased upstairs. Zhou Yang spun around, still carrying Su Hao, looking down at Tang Rui from above.

 

“What? Planning a threesome?”

 

“I’m Zhou Yang. Remember it—Zhou Yang of Li City.”

 

Tang Rui was new here, but he’d already done his homework.

 

Hearing “Zhou Yang of Li City,” he reacted immediately. One of the four great families. So his guess had been right. Standing at the bottom of the stairs, he looked up at Zhou Yang. “What do you want?”

 

Zhou Yang smiled. “Nothing much. Just a warning.”

 

“You really want to come up? Then come on up. You can even watch what I do with her.”

 

His lips curved in a smile, but his eyes were cold and vicious—his words stabbing straight at what mattered most to another man.

 

Tang Rui’s expression changed.

 

Su Hao struggled desperately.

 

Zhou Yang shot Tang Rui a cold look and turned to go upstairs.

 

At the third-floor landing, Zhou Yang stopped in front of a closed door and set Su Hao down. She immediately raised her hand and slapped him—this time on the side he’d deliberately offered earlier. Zhou Yang took slaps on both cheeks and chuckled, hands in his pockets.

 

“All even now?”

 

Su Hao leaned against the door, breathing hard, glaring at him. Her anger burned in her eyes.

 

He was still the same—carefree and reckless.

 

She shot him one last fierce look and turned to knock on the door.

 

She didn’t care whether Su Qian and Cheng Ling would see Zhou Yang like this. The door opened—it was Su Qian. Seeing Su Hao’s expression, she froze.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

Su Hao shook her head. “Nothing.”

 

She steadied herself and went inside. She expected Zhou Yang to follow—but instead, Su Qian closed the door.

 

Su Hao looked back. “No one outside?”

 

“No.”

 

Su Hao didn’t say anything. She glanced at the door once more, then walked in.

 

Watching her, Su Qian hesitated, then opened the door and stepped out. Zhou Yang was leaning by the stairs, smoking—he’d gone up a few steps, which was why she hadn’t seen him earlier.

 

Then she noticed the slap marks on the side of his face and froze.

 

Thinking back to Su Hao’s expression, Su Qian muttered, “Serves you right.”

 

“Did you do something to Su Hao again?”

 

Zhou Yang bit down on his cigarette, irritated. He waved a hand. “I’m going to the office.”

 

With that, he went straight downstairs.

 

Seeing him like that, Su Qian was furious and threw one word after him: “Get lost.”

 

Bang. She slammed the door shut.

 

Cheng Ling had originally wanted to see if the apartment needed any tidying, but it turned out Su Hao had taken care of everything already—clean and cozy.

 

Seeing how Su Hao had single-handedly turned a two-bedroom apartment into such a comfortable home, Su Qian liked her even more. She pulled her over and asked, “Did you put up this wallpaper yourself?”

 

“Yeah. The previous tenant had scribbled all over the walls, so I covered them,” Su Hao said. “But it needs changing every so often—the wallpaper isn’t very durable.”

 

She pressed down the edges as she spoke.

 

“It has a nice atmosphere,” Su Qian said. The wallpaper consisted of two paintings in soft colors that matched well. She turned to Cheng Ling. “Why don’t you just stay here instead of going back to Hui City?”

 

Cheng Ling smiled. “We’ll see. I wanted to help Su Hao arrange things, but it turns out she doesn’t need me.”

 

Su Qian sat beside her. “Really—whoever marries Su Hao in the future will be incredibly lucky.”

 

“I’ve always thought so,” Cheng Ling said softly. “But in today’s society, what use is being virtuous?”

 

She had to admit that nowadays, marriage wasn’t just about matching families—it also depended on the woman’s career abilities. Her gaze dimmed. If Su Hao had had more of a career back then, instead of just managing the household, Tang Rui might not have been willing to divorce her.

 

In the end, it was she and Su Hao’s father who had held her back.

 

“It is useful,” Su Qian said immediately. “Of course it is. You just don’t understand—men these days…”

 

She stopped herself mid-sentence, thinking of the circle they were in now.

 

Su Hao listened to the two mothers talk and felt helpless. She turned to the fridge, took out dumpling filling and wrappers, set them on the table, and said, “How about we make some dumplings for dinner?”

 

“I haven’t made dumplings in ages!” Su Qian jumped up. The worry in Cheng Ling’s brow eased as she stood as well. “Let me see your filling.”

 

The three of them gathered around to make dumplings.

 

Warm and cozy.

 

That night, Su Qian stayed for dinner. As for where Zhou Yang went, no one mentioned it.

 

The weekend passed quickly. Cheng Ling stayed on, and Su Hao returned to work. When she entered the office, she heard the group chat buzzing nonstop.

 

“A new trader joined Gaolin—damn, he’s so handsome.”

 

“You saw him?”

 

“I went to have breakfast with my boyfriend at his restaurant this morning and saw him. They say he came back from Wall Street—Gao Qi.”

 

Gao Qi was one of the top financial firms on Wall Street. Its traders were famous, mostly European faces, with the occasional Asian—usually slick-looking. A handsome Asian face like this was rare enough to cause a stir.

 

Lu Mimi: “Photos? Let’s see.”

 

“I didn’t dare偷拍. I asked my boyfriend to send one.”

 

A few seconds later, a side-profile photo appeared.

 

The man had long lashes, wore a watch, and was reading documents. His suit was crisp, his demeanor refined.

 

“Damn, he’s really young.”

 

“So young.”

 

“He is handsome. Another reason to go hang around Gaolin.”

 

Su Hao glanced at it.

 

It was Tang Rui.

 

She exited the group chat, organized the ledgers, and took them to President Zeng. When she returned, she received a message from Tang Rui.

 

Tang Rui: Su Hao, can we have lunch together? I’m quite close to you.

 

Thinking of the group chat, Su Hao replied:

 

Su Hao: I need to go home for lunch.

 

Tang Rui: Oh, okay.

 

With Cheng Ling at home, Su Hao no longer ate lunch at the office. She went home instead, though Cheng Ling felt it was troublesome and suggested she eat at work.

 

Mother and daughter chatted and laughed through lunch. Afterward, Su Hao returned to the office, where Yun Lü also messaged her.

 

Yun Lü: Haohao, want to come to the winery tonight? We haven’t seen each other in ages.

 

Su Hao: Sure.

 

She’d promised Yun Lü last time and couldn’t refuse again. She was about to add another message when a new one came in.

 

From Zhou Yang.

 

Zhou Yang: I’ll pick you up at 7:30. We’re going to the winery.

 

Su Hao: Okay.

 

She deleted the question she’d been about to send Yun Lü about whether Zhou Yang would be there.

 

She glanced at the calendar.

 

Almost November already. Time really flew.

 

After eating in the company cafeteria a little past six, Su Hao went back to the sixteenth floor to finish up her work. She wasn’t dressed in a particularly formal suit that day—her top was patterned, and she wore a fitted A-line skirt. Just after seven, Zhou Yang called.

 

“I’m getting ready to come down,” she said as she picked up.

 

“Mm. I’m waiting,” he replied, his low voice still carrying a hint of a smile—magnetic, like a lover’s whisper.

 

“I’m hanging up,” Su Hao said gently, then ended the call without waiting for his response.

 

On the other end, Zhou Yang paused, then smiled, rubbing his lips and closing his eyes, oddly savoring the moment.

 

A few minutes later, footsteps echoed through the lobby.

 

Most people had already left work, leaving only dim lights on. Looking over, Zhou Yang saw Su Hao walking down in heels, long hair draped over her shoulders. She lifted her arms to tie it up; her long sleeves slid down, revealing fair skin. She looked up—and their eyes met.

 

Zhou Yang suddenly wanted her to smile at him.

 

Like that time at the strawberry field, when she’d shown those dimples.

 

As she drew closer, he leaned over and opened the passenger door. As Su Hao got in, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

 

She paused, then used his grip to sit down.

 

This time, she didn’t resist. Zhou Yang let out a quiet breath of relief. As she fastened her seatbelt, she said, “Yun Lü messaged me too. She said there’s a gathering at the winery tonight.”

 

“Is that so?” Zhou Yang smiled. “They all seem to like you.”

 

Su Hao glanced at him. The slap marks on his face had mostly faded; only a red mark lingered at the corner of his mouth, adding a touch of wildness to his good looks.

 

She smiled. “I like them too.”

 

“Oh? Them as in him, or her?” Zhou Yang asked lightly as he started the car.

 

Su Hao looked at him again. “I’m not as flirtatious as you.”

 

Zhou Yang chuckled softly.

 

The atmosphere between them was genuinely good now—not sharp and confrontational like yesterday.

 

They drove to the winery, the same elegant place as last time. After getting out, Zhou Yang took her hand and led her into the estate marked with the character 酒 (“wine”).

 

Walking along the stone path, Su Hao glanced a few times at their joined hands, then looked away without pulling free.

 

When they entered the hall, everyone turned to look. Seeing their hands clasped, they froze.

 

Together?

 

No way.

 

Really?

 

Wasn’t Zhou Yang just slapped twice yesterday?

 

“Traffic was a bit heavy. Looks like it might rain tonight,” Zhou Yang said as he led Su Hao to a loveseat and brought over two glasses.

 

The others kept staring at Su Hao. She smiled faintly. Wearing that outfit, she looked especially fair and luminous. Li Yi took the cigarette from his mouth and asked, “You two—are you together?”

 

Su Hao smiled but didn’t answer.

 

Seeing this, Zhou Yang relaxed, smiling broadly. “Yes.”

 

As soon as he said it, his heart started racing. He lowered his head to light a cigarette, leaned back, one arm draped over the armrest, then gently over Su Hao’s shoulder, playing with a strand of her hair.

 

“Damn, then you have to treat us to drinks!” Jiang Yu exclaimed, waving for A Liang to bring wine.

 

Xu Dian took off his glasses, wiped them, and squinted. “Is this for real?”

 

Zhou Yang looked smug. “What do you think?”

 

He wrapped an arm around Su Hao’s waist. To everyone’s surprise, she leaned into him obediently. It was rare. He looked down at her; she lifted her eyes, gaze liquid.

 

Suddenly, Zhou Yang leaned in and kissed her, deep and lingering.

 

The others froze for a few seconds.

 

Then erupted.

 

“Holy shit—it’s real!”

 

“Zhou Yang, I thought you’d have to wait forever—damn, you got her so fast.”

 

“No fair!”

 

Li Yi stubbed out his cigarette, grabbed a bottle, and poured drinks. “Tonight’s on Zhou Yang.”

 

Zhou Yang brushed his finger over Su Hao’s lips, lifted his narrow eyes, and smiled. “Fine. I’ll cover everything.”

 

Li Yi laughed and pointed at A Liang. “Bring out the good stuff.”

 

A Liang ran back and forth with premium wine. Yun Lü tugged Su Hao’s wrist; Su Hao leaned closer. Yun Lü pointed subtly. “Really?”

 

Su Hao still smiled without answering.

 

Seeing how gentle her smile was, Yun Lü thought—it must be real.

 

But… would Zhou Yang cherish Su Hao?

 

Yun Lü squeezed her hand. Beside them, Meng Ying leaned over and slipped a green plum into Su Hao’s hand. Su Hao accepted it and thanked her.

 

Meng Ying met her gaze. Su Hao smiled at her. “I really like the dramas you’ve acted in.”

 

“I like you too,” Meng Ying replied.

 

Nearby, Liu Yan smiled and kicked the table lightly. Su Hao glanced at her.

 

Of the four women, only Yun Lü looked worried.

 

The other three understood.

 

They played dice again like last time. Somehow, it turned into a game where men drank as punishment while women sat on their laps and fed them.

 

Losing became popular.

 

Liu Yan and Li Yi were both single and didn’t join. Jiang Yu and Xu Dian almost wanted to lose on purpose. Zhou Yang lost twice; when Su Hao fed him, he hadn’t even had enough before it was gone.

 

When it was almost time to wrap up, Zhou Yang lost again. Su Hao leaned down with the bottle, pouring with effortless grace—the most beautiful pour in the room.

 

Not a drop spilled, and it was filled perfectly. She picked up the glass and stood. Zhou Yang curved his lips, arm around her waist. She had to steady the glass. She took a big sip, lowered her head—not kissing him immediately, but resting her forehead against his.

 

Then she slowly slid down.

 

Zhou Yang’s hand tightened suddenly, his narrow eyes locked on her. Su Hao smiled, half a dimple appearing, then sealed her lips to his, gently feeding him the wine.

 

Two or three seconds later, Zhou Yang took control, lifting his long neck, gripping her, pressing down.

 

Wine spilled from the corner of his lips.

 

They didn’t stop.

 

Seeing this, the others stood up and left, giving them space.

 

Pressed together, their heartbeats were almost audible. The next moment, Zhou Yang scooped Su Hao up, stood, and carried her behind the wine cabinet, pinning her against the wall.

 

He kissed her fiercely, breath tangled with hers. Bottles clinked softly.

 

Su Hao’s breathing grew uneven. She held him; his collar had loosened. He lowered his head, lingering. She closed her eyes. After a few seconds, she leaned close to his ear and whispered:

 

“Let’s just leave it like this, Zhou Yang. From now on, you and I have nothing to do with each other.”