“President Wen, just call me by my name. We’re just ordinary colleagues. Calling me so intimately will make people think I have no sense of boundaries.” Lu Yao’s voice grew even colder. She wasn’t even sure if she could successfully pursue Shen Zhirou, and with all these miscellaneous people getting in the way, she had no patience for putting on a good face for anyone.
“Alright then, I was the one disturbing you. Sorry.” Wen Jin hung up the phone, her own expression turning icy. She then called Zhang Huichun back.
The moment Zhang Huichun picked up, she hurriedly asked, “How did it go? What did Yaoyao say?”
“Sorry, Auntie. Lu Yao might not be in a great mood right now. She said we’re just colleagues and told me not to meddle in her family affairs.”
“It’s fine. That girl’s just stubborn like that. Tell you what—in a bit, her dad and I will try talking to her again. Thanks for the trouble.”
“No trouble at all. If you or Uncle need anything else in the future, just let me know.” After exchanging a few more polite words with Zhang Huichun, Wen Jin finally hung up.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Her interest in Lu Yao was only growing stronger. Controlling prey that didn’t belong to her? Now that sounded even more intriguing.
On Monday at noon, Wen Jin asked Zhang Huichun about Shen Zhirou’s workplace and arrived early to wait in the lobby. She told the receptionist she was there to see Shen Zhirou. The receptionist gave Wen Jin an appraising look, noting her refined poise and the polite smile in her eyes as she spoke, before picking up the phone to call Shen Zhirou. It wasn’t anything special—just that Shen Zhirou’s mom had thrown a fit not long ago, and everyone felt bad for her. A mother like that was one for the books.
“Zhirou, there’s a lady downstairs waiting for you. She says her name is Wen Jin and that you know who she is.”
Shen Zhirou paused for a moment. “Okay, I’ll head down now.”
With that, her gaze shifted to Fu Ning. “I’ve got something to take care of; I’m heading out first. Go ahead and eat lunch with Qingqing and the others later—no need to wait for me.”
“Oh.” Fu Ning’s response came out listless. She got to see Shen Zhirou every day, but it still never felt like enough. When would she finally get to be Shen Zhirou’s real girlfriend?
Seeing Fu Ning slumped over her desk, Shen Zhirou reached out on impulse and ruffled the top of her head. She was so much like Mianmian.
Fu Ning’s eyes lit up at the touch. If she’d had a tail, it would’ve been spinning like a propeller by now.
Shen Zhirou grabbed her phone and headed downstairs. She’d thought the news of Wen Jin’s arrival would send her into a panic, but in this moment, she felt an uncanny calm.
A few minutes later, Shen Zhirou stepped out of the elevator and spotted Wen Jin standing at reception. Wen Jin saw her too and walked over.
“Miss Shen, sorry to bother you. Would you join me for lunch? There’s something I’d like to discuss.”
“No need for lunch. There’s a coffee shop right nearby—we can talk there.” Shen Zhirou met Wen Jin’s gaze head-on, without a hint of retreat.
Wen Jin’s lips curved into a smile. She’d expected Shen Zhirou to falter at the sight of her eyes, but the other woman was utterly composed.
“Very well.” Wen Jin nodded graciously, and the two made their way to the coffee shop around the corner.
“Just warm water for me. What would you like, Miss Wen?” Shen Zhirou asked.
“Black coffee, light on the sugar.”
The server departed promptly. Shen Zhirou turned to the woman across from her and cut straight to the chase. “So, what brings you here this time, Miss Wen?”
“You’re too kind, Miss Shen. Thank you for looking after Yaoyao these past few months.” Wen Jin’s smile held steady, her eyes fixed on Shen Zhirou’s.
Shen Zhirou let out a scoff, finding the whole thing absurd. “Back then, Miss Lu and I hadn’t broken up yet. Taking care of my girlfriend was just doing my part. As for you, Miss Wen—you’re nothing more than one of Miss Lu’s exes. You’re in no position to thank me.”
Shen Zhirou held her gaze without flinching. The old version of herself might have second-guessed everything upon seeing Wen Jin, drowning in insecurity. But her issues with Lu Yao had nothing to do with this woman—it was simply that Lu Yao didn’t love her. Wen Jin was arrogant to think otherwise; she was just a footnote in the long list of problems between her and Lu Yao, barely worth mentioning.
Wen Jin clearly hadn’t anticipated that response. After all, Lu Yao’s mother and the others had all said how much Shen Zhirou’s eyes resembled her own. Yaoyao had to be with her because of those eyes.
“Nothing more than an ex? Doesn’t Miss Shen know why Yaoyao got together with you?” Wen Jin’s smile took on a teasing edge. No one could stomach being a stand-in for their girlfriend’s ex, after all. When Shen Zhirou didn’t reply, she pressed on. “It’s because your eyes look just like mine.”
Shen Zhirou had heard this line countless times before; it stirred no ripples in her heart. She looked calmly at Wen Jin and countered, “So what? It doesn’t prove anything. If Miss Wen had gotten a warm welcome from Lu Yao, you wouldn’t need to come probing me. I already know all this. Is there anything else? If not, excuse me—I need to go eat with my colleagues.”
Wen Jin hadn’t expected Shen Zhirou to respond like that. Stunned, she asked, “You don’t mind?”
“Mind what? You’re just an irresponsible ex. What’s there to mind? Besides, Lu Yao and I have already broken up. Handle your business with her yourself, and don’t come to me anymore. Good luck, Miss Wen.” Shen Zhirou took a sip of the warm water in her cup and rose to leave.
“So Yaoyao told you we’re working together now? We see each other every day—we’re in the same project team.” Wen Jin, unwilling to concede, called out as Shen Zhirou was still within earshot.
Shen Zhirou glanced back at Wen Jin. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
The old her would have agonized over this news, full of anxiety and doubt. But she and Lu Yao had broken up. Even if they were working together now—or even got back together—Lu Yao had no obligation to tell her.
Shen Zhirou’s fingertips clenched slightly, a faint ache blooming in her chest. How could she possibly forget everything from before in just over a month?
Wen Jin watched Shen Zhirou’s retreating back for a long moment before finally looking away. This time, she was the one who had lost her composure.
~~~
That morning, Lu Yao had reported to the company’s top brass about wanting to take her annual leave as compensatory time off. She had worked relentlessly for years, skipping her year-end vacations for two or three straight years, and with her recent pallor, the big boss approved it without hesitation. The project was massive, though, and handing it off to another project manager would take time—at least a week. During that week, she’d inevitably have to cross paths with Wen Jin now and then, the very thing Lu Yao wanted to avoid most. After all, Jie Jie had already sentenced her to life in prison; if she got entangled with Wen Jin again, she’d truly be beyond redemption.
At five in the afternoon, Lu Yao drove to the entrance of AFN Group. She found a seat in the first-floor lobby and waited to pick up Shen Zhirou after work.
The events of Saturday had shaken her to the core. Jie Jie had someone by her side now—if she didn’t fight harder, she’d regret it for the rest of her life. Pride and principles be damned; she just wanted Jie Jie to come home with her.
Lu Yao touched up her makeup in her compact mirror and breathed a small sigh of relief once she confirmed she looked presentable. She had deliberately worn a white dress suit today—Shen Zhirou liked her in white. Jie Jie should like it, right?
Lu Yao kept her eyes glued to the elevators. At 5:35, she spotted Shen Zhirou stepping out—but with a girl holding her arm. It was the same one who had left that lipstick mark on Shen Zhirou’s shirt. Jealousy surged through Lu Yao instantly. She stood and strode toward them.
Shen Zhirou hadn’t expected her to show up and came to a gradual stop.
“Jie Jie, I’m here to pick you up after work.” Lu Yao kept one hand behind her back, her fingers clenched tight. Her gaze fell on Fu Ning’s arm linked with Shen Zhirou’s, and a wave of sourness welled up inside her.
“No need for Miss Lu to trouble yourself. My place isn’t far; I can walk.” Shen Zhirou’s tone was distant, as if speaking to a casual acquaintance.
“It’s no trouble at all, Jie Jie. From now on, whenever I’m not swamped with work, I’ll come pick you up every day.” Lu Yao pretended not to hear the rejection, flashing a smile.
Fu Ning’s alarms went off the moment she heard Lu Yao call Shen Zhirou “Jie Jie.” She hadn’t even won Jie Jie over yet—where had this woman popped up from? Trying to steal her?
“Heh, who are you? Didn’t Jie Jie say she doesn’t need a ride?” Fu Ning shot Lu Yao an unhappy glare. She considered herself pretty attractive, but this Lu Yao somehow looked even better, which made Fu Ning panic a little.
“I’m her girlfriend. And who are you?” Lu Yao turned her icy gaze on Fu Ning.
“I’m Jie Jie’s new colleague. We’re good friends. So what?” Fu Ning glared right back, refusing to yield.
“Enough, Ningning—you go on ahead.” Shen Zhirou watched the two of them on the verge of a showdown and felt a headache coming on. It was peak quitting time, too; the three of them standing there would just give everyone grist for the gossip mill.
“Jie Jie!” Fu Ning protested, still not ready to give up. She shot Lu Yao another glare.
“Be good. There are too many people around right now—it wouldn’t look good if everyone saw and made fun of us. Don’t worry, I’ll head back on my own. No need for anyone to walk me home.” Shen Zhirou smiled at Fu Ning, her tone softening.
Only after hearing this did Fu Ning relax a little. She walked out of the company, glancing back over her shoulder every few steps.
Lu Yao’s face lit up with delight at the sight of Shen Zhirou sending Fu Ning away, but Shen Zhirou’s next words instantly dashed her hopes.
“Miss Lu, you should head home and get some rest too. I’m off.” Without waiting for a response, Shen Zhirou strode straight outside.
Lu Yao watched Shen Zhirou’s retreating back and followed silently. If Jie Jie didn’t want to acknowledge her, that was fine—she could trail behind and make sure she got home safely. At least this way, she’d learn which neighborhood Jie Jie was living in now.
Lu Yao kept pace all the way, her hands fidgeting and clasping together now and then. Stalking after someone like this was utterly unlike her, but she’d already lost the person she loved. What good was pride at a time like this?
After walking some distance, Shen Zhirou glanced back and spotted Lu Yao still trailing her. She came to a halt, frowning at the figure in the distance.
