There, in the most prominent spot at the exhibition center, hung her favorite—Reflection.
A crowd of guests milled about over there.
Cheng Zhanya let go of Lin Hanbing’s arm and walked slowly toward it.
There was only one Reflection.
It was no longer for sale.
The host on stage tested the mic. “Good morning, distinguished guests. Welcome to this exhibition…”
Everyone’s attention shifted briefly that way.
Cheng Zhanya glanced over too.
But soon, her gaze was drawn elsewhere.
Lin Hanbing wore a pure white evening gown, its hem brushing the floor and accentuating her perfect figure.
If not for the woman in a pink gown standing beside her, Cheng Zhanya might have been entranced.
They looked quite congenial.
Whispering together, deep in pleasant conversation.
A sour feeling twisted in her chest.
The woman had her back turned, so Cheng Zhanya couldn’t see her face—only that her figure was stunning.
She touched her own belly.
Over four months along.
Clothes hid it well, but one touch, and she could feel the bulge.
Like she’d overeaten.
Suddenly, she felt self-conscious. She’d long said goodbye to her girlhood days, and soon she’d be a mom.
A sweet burden, though.
Cheng Zhanya shifted her perspective, consoling herself.
She took a deep breath and refocused on Reflection.
Lin Hanbing didn’t come looking for her.
Cheng Zhanya wandered alone, her mind replaying that scene from earlier. Lost in thought, her shoulder suddenly bumped into someone.
Off balance, the juice she’d just gotten from a server spilled onto the other’s light green gown.
A huge stain spread across the fabric.
Strikingly obvious.
“I’m so sorry,” Cheng Zhanya apologized in a rush.
She raised her hand as if to dab at it, then thought better of it.
The woman in front of her was taller, with a sleek high ponytail—not a single stray hair out of place. Her skin was a standard bronze tone, distinct from typical East Asian hues, exuding a captivating, unique allure.
“No worries.”
The woman’s voice was rich and husky, somewhat androgynous, matching her appearance perfectly. “Here by yourself for the exhibit?”
Cheng Zhanya thought for a moment and shook her head. “With a friend.”
“With a parent?” The woman tilted her head slightly, eyeing her. “You look so young.”
Cheng Zhanya took it as a compliment and chuckled. “I’ll be twenty-eight soon.”
“No kidding? You can’t tell. People from the south are all petite.”
Cheng Zhanya didn’t argue—southerners were generally a bit shorter than northerners on average. “Your accent doesn’t sound like you’re from South City.”
“I’m from up north.”
“I figured.”
“See any works you like?”
Cheng Zhanya nodded. “I came specifically for one I love.”
“Which master’s piece?”
“Cheng Jiguang.” Cheng Zhanya named her favorite artist without hesitation.
“Oh? Which of hers?”
“Reflection.”
“Reflection, huh…”
“Yeah.”
The woman’s expression was inscrutable. “Mind sharing your thoughts on it?”
Her thoughts!
Cheng Zhanya pondered.
“It gives me… a healing feeling. That’s my biggest takeaway.”
“Healing?” The woman seemed surprised. “Most people call it a dead lake.”
“Well, everyone has their own view. Me too.”
“In my eyes, it’s healing.”
“Is that so?” The woman smiled. “I’m Chen Man. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too. I’m Cheng Zhanya.”
“Pretty name—suits you perfectly.” Chen Man laughed. “So, for the rest of the exhibit, may I have the honor of inviting Miss Cheng to view it with me?”
Chen Man was clearly in the art circle; Cheng Zhanya could sense the scholarly air about her.
The hall was crowded, but Cheng Zhanya didn’t know many people.
She accepted Chen Man’s invitation without a second thought.
Chen Man was tall—at least five-foot-eleven.
Few women reached that height.
She wasn’t bulky, though. The light green slip gown looked elegant on her, with a slender waist and long fingers. She moved with supermodel confidence, like she belonged on a Victoria’s Secret runway.
Standing beside her, Cheng Zhanya really did seem small.
They strolled side by side. For each painting, Chen Man offered concise insights.
Cheng Zhanya agreed with her takes.
Like long-lost friends, they chatted animatedly—a joy nothing else could match.
By the end, the crowd had thinned.
Beyond a wall from the display area lay the auction hall.
Most pieces were non-sale items, destined for auction to find their owners.
Everyone must have headed there.
Cheng Zhanya checked the time. It was nearly noon.
Her phone showed a slew of missed calls.
She tapped it open.
All from Lin Hanbing.
Cheng Zhanya frowned. That earlier image flashed in her mind, and the discomfort welled up again.
She pocketed the phone, ignoring Lin Hanbing.
“Something wrong? Your friend?”
Cheng Zhanya hummed. “Not important. Let’s keep talking.”
She was having such a great time with someone else.
Why bother looking for her?
Cheng Zhanya didn’t realize she was jealous. Her heart just felt nibbled by ants—sour and itchy.
She cared.
Lin Hanbing always seemed aloof and distant with everyone, yet behind her back, she smiled so beautifully at others.
Cheng Zhanya felt a pang of irony.
Unconsciously, she gripped the strap of her clutch tighter, reined in her emotions, and resumed chatting with Chen Man.
After looping the exhibits, a petite woman in a black uniform approached them and handed Chen Man a handheld mic.
“Miss Chen, you’re up.”
Chen Man took it and nodded to her assistant. “You go on ahead.”
“You’re with the organizers?”
“No, just a minor guest.” Chen Man said.
Just a guest?
Cheng Zhanya doubted it. With the event winding down, Chen Man taking the stage now suggested she was no small fry—likely the finale.
Suddenly, Cheng Zhanya remembered why she’d come: to see Cheng Jiguang.
She’d gotten so caught up chatting that she’d forgotten.
She glanced at the stage. Only the host was there, giving closing remarks.
Had she missed it?!
Cheng Zhanya clenched her fist.
“Mind swapping contacts?” Chen Man asked.
“Of course.” Cheng Zhanya nodded. “Let’s chat properly next time.”
“Love to.”
Chen Man took her phone, navigated to contacts, typed in her number with those long fingers.
Added.
Sent.
All in one smooth motion.
She handed it back and winked. “Catch you later.”
Cheng Zhanya didn’t overthink it. “Sure.”
Parting from Chen Man, Cheng Zhanya hurried toward center stage.
She really hoped she hadn’t missed it.
As she reached the stage, a hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.
Cheng Zhanya startled.
She yanked free on instinct.
Looking back, it was Lin Hanbing.
“Where were you?” Lin Hanbing’s face was stormy, her tone laced with accusation.
Cheng Zhanya already harbored some resentment toward her. Being grilled like this only made her unhappier.
She ignored her, cradling her belly as she pushed into the crowd.
Just then, the host announced: “Please welcome today’s star—the one and only Cheng Jiguang.”
Amid thunderous applause, a tall woman slowly ascended the stage.
Cheng Zhanya’s face filled with shock.
Chen Man.
She’s Cheng Jiguang?!
Chen Man had changed into a formal dress—a pure black hip-hugging mermaid skirt with a train that dragged slightly on the ground. Chen Man walked very slowly, elegant and composed, generous and poised.
But Cheng Jiguang is clearly a man…
At this thought, Cheng Zhanya shook her head with a chuckle. What kind of stereotype was this? Who said androgynous had to mean a man?
She thought she had missed her idol, but unexpectedly, she had been chatting with her idol for so long without realizing it.
The smile on Cheng Zhanya’s face could no longer be concealed.
She clapped along with the crowd.
The applause gradually faded, and Chen Man began her speech.
Cheng Zhanya listened attentively, completely oblivious to Lin Hanbing’s ashen face beside her.
Chen Man’s speech ended, and the petite assistant in uniform from earlier suddenly appeared at her side.
“Miss Cheng, Miss Chen invites you backstage for a seat.”
Cheng Zhanya agreed.
She turned around and saw Lin Hanbing’s iron-gray face, momentarily stunned.
What’s wrong with Lin Hanbing?
She’s lost it!
Cheng Zhanya ignored her and followed the little assistant away.
“Yaya.”
Lin Hanbing called out to her in a low, suppressed voice.
Cheng Zhanya pretended not to hear.
She was led backstage by the little assistant.
Soon, she saw Chen Man.
Chen Man was still wearing that black formal dress, seated at the makeup table as the makeup artist worked on changing her look.
Seeing Cheng Zhanya arrive, she smiled. “We meet again.”
Cheng Zhanya smiled. “Yeah, we meet again.”
Chen Man raised a hand, signaling the makeup artist to pause and the assistant to pour some water.
She invited Cheng Zhanya to sit.
Seeing her getting restyled, Cheng Zhanya couldn’t help asking, “Do you have another event later?”
“Yes, at four this afternoon, in Lushi City.”
“Lushi City is very close to South City.”
“I know. I’ll head back right after.” Chen Man smiled elegantly. “Probably arriving in South City around eight at night.”
“So, Miss Cheng, would you like to share dinner with me?” Chen Man invited.
“Of course.”
Cheng Zhanya agreed without a second thought.
This was her favorite painter—there was no reason to turn down her idol’s invitation.
“Then it’s settled.”
“Okay.”
“See you tonight.”
Chen Man shook her phone. “We’ll be in touch tonight.”
Cheng Zhanya smiled and nodded. “Okay.”
Emerging from backstage, Cheng Zhanya spotted Lin Hanbing right away.
Lin Hanbing’s expression was still grim; she was stone-faced, her gaze fixed intently on Cheng Zhanya. Only after a moment did she step toward her.
Cheng Zhanya’s heart tightened—the Lin Hanbing before her felt like a stranger.
Lin Hanbing had never looked at her like that before.
It was as if she had committed some unforgivable crime.
She couldn’t help asking, “What’s wrong with you?”
Lin Hanbing didn’t answer, just took her hand. “Time to go eat.”
What the hell?
Cheng Zhanya frowned.
She had no idea what Lin Hanbing meant.
Had something unpleasant happened to her just now?
Why was she looking at her like that, as if she were the one to blame?
Cheng Zhanya felt a surge of frustration too. Lin Hanbing bundled her into the car with rough movements, seemingly forgetting she was pregnant.
“What’s really wrong with you?” Cheng Zhanya asked again.
“What did you just talk about with Chen Man?”
“We talked about her works. What’s it to you? Do you know her?”
“I know her.”
Cheng Zhanya found it amusing. “You know her? Then do you know she’s Cheng Jiguang?”
“I know.”
Cheng Zhanya frowned. “So?”
“Do you have some prejudice against her?”
“I have no prejudice against her—only facts.”
Cheng Zhanya looked at her in confusion. “What facts?”
“She has some bad rumors.” Lin Hanbing stared straight ahead as the car slowly pulled away. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I don’t want you having too much contact with her.”
Cheng Zhanya was speechless. “You knew she was Cheng Jiguang, knew about her bad rumors, and still invited me to the exhibition—then tell me not to have too much contact with her.”
Do you think this is reasonable? Do you want to take a look at what you’re saying?
Isn’t this self-contradictory?
This is really baffling.
Cheng Zhanya continued, “She’s a painter I like. I really like her insights and analysis of paintings. I thought there was nothing wrong with that.”
“I know it’s right.”
“It’s understandable for you to contact her about painting matters, but aside from that, there’s no need for further dealings.”
“Did she just ask you out?”
“Yes,” Cheng Zhanya admitted directly.
Openly and aboveboard, she has nothing to hide.
Lin Hanbing snorted coldly: “I knew it.”
Cheng Zhanya snorted with laughter.
What right does Lin Hanbing have to question her?
Doesn’t she also chat happily with other women? What right does she have to question her?!
Cheng Zhanya was so angry her eyes turned red. “Aren’t you the same? Who was that woman chatting with you just now?”
“Which woman?” Lin Hanbing clearly didn’t take it to heart.
“Don’t ask me—you know it in your heart.”
Cheng Zhanya said mockingly: “What? You can chat happily with others, but I can’t? Why not?”
What right do you have to question me now?
“What right do you have?”
“I also hope you remember—we’re already divorced.” Cheng Zhanya’s chest heaved with anger, and in that instant, all her irrational harsh words spilled out.
Lin Hanbing’s breath caught.
She could hardly catch her breath; Cheng Zhanya really knows where to strike.
Every stroke draws blood.
Lin Hanbing paused for a moment, suddenly remembering who the woman Cheng Zhanya had mentioned was.
So, is the wife jealous?
Lin Hanbing is very happy.
She pulled over to the side and slowly stopped the car.
They’re all irrational right now, and driving is undoubtedly the most dangerous thing they could do.
Lin Hanbing tried to explain, “That was Liang Wenxuan. I wanted you all to catch up, but I couldn’t find her.”
Cheng Zhanya froze, then laughed angrily. “First of all, I’m not that close with Liang Wenxuan, so there’s no need to catch up, right?”
“Secondly, you clearly know what feelings Liang Wenxuan had for you.”
“Lin Hanbing, what are you thinking?”
“You’re overthinking it.”
“She’s already married.”
“What if she wasn’t married? Would you be with her then?” Cheng Zhanya blurted out in anger.
“What are you saying?” Lin Hanbing frowned.
“Yaya, it’s not suitable for us to talk right now. Can we go home first?”
Lin Hanbing regained some rationality first and restarted the car.
From dating to marriage, it had been over ten years, and they had never quarreled.
This was the first time they argued so intensely.
Even during the divorce, they hadn’t quarreled much. In the end, both harbored some resentment.
Cheng Zhanya lost her reason, and the dissatisfaction pent up in her heart erupted in that instant.
She pressed on relentlessly: “And her sister—you clearly know her elder sister is your pursuer, yet you still let her become your assistant.”
“You clearly know how much I mind it, but you did nothing. In your heart, work and outsiders are more important than me.”
“Stop the car.”
Cheng Zhanya shouted to stop the car.
She didn’t want to be in the same space as Lin Hanbing.
Not one bit.
She knew she wasn’t being rational, but she couldn’t control herself. She just wanted to catch her breath.
She just wanted to be alone.
Anywhere would do.
Lin Hanbing ignored her words and kept driving.
“I told you to stop. Didn’t you hear me?”
Cheng Zhanya tried to calm herself down, but Lin Hanbing’s dismissive attitude only made her angrier.
Her words went unanswered.
The car continued driving steadily.
She felt like she was going crazy, sitting there fuming, staring out the window with a dark expression.
Suddenly, her stomach churned, and she couldn’t hold back—she vomited.
Lin Hanbing jumped in fright and immediately pulled over to park.
She suddenly felt a pang of regret; she shouldn’t have argued with Cheng Zhanya at a time like this.
