Chapter 85: Boyfriend

The entertainment industry had always been guided by public opinion, and the public’s gaze was sometimes unforgiving. Especially for a band at the peak of its career, any negative news could bring unpredictable risks.

Yang Han fell into thought, her fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest of the seat, her brows slightly furrowed.

“Sister Han?” Lin Che noticed her unusual expression and asked softly, “Do you have any ideas?”

“Ah.” Yang Han came back to her senses and forced a smile. “Nothing.”

It was best to let things take their natural course for now, since nothing had happened yet.

Everyone returned to the studio first.

Yang Han had to handle the follow-up public opinion on the copyright case, as well as issues with brand collaborations and the music festival performance…

Shen Jia Yan and the other band members went straight to the practice room.

She had just sat down on the drum stool when Zhong Ruyi walked right over.

She leaned against the wall and said warmly, “Jia Yan.”

“Hm?” Shen Jia Yan crossed her two drumsticks.

“You… used to like Lawyer Wen?” Zhong Ruyi’s voice remained gentle, but her eyes stared unwaveringly at her, as if trying to read the answer from every subtle expression on her face.

Shen Jia Yan smiled at that. There was no evasion or regret in the smile, only a calm acceptance after time had settled it. “Yes, I liked her a lot.”

A drumbeat-like silence spread between them. Zhong Ruyi lowered her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of the poster on the wall. Her voice remained steady, but there was a faint tension that was hard to detect. “And now?”

Shen Jia Yan looked up at her.

She knew what Zhong Ruyi felt for her. Though it hadn’t been said outright, those deliberate “chance encounters” after practice, the warm water handed to her, the silhouette silently organizing her drum set, and now this cautious yet probing gaze—all were like fine stitches, weaving into her life one by one.

“Now…” Shen Jia Yan paused, her gaze passing over Zhong Ruyi’s shoulder, as if it could pierce through the wall to see the figure in a suit at the law firm, pen flying across the page. “Who knows? Some feelings might only be suitable for staying in memories, but…” Her gaze met Zhong Ruyi’s again, and the corners of her lips curved up. “How long this memory will last, and for how long—who can say for sure?”

She knew she hadn’t let go of Wen Wan Ning. Just like when they met again after many years, her heart still raced the moment she looked up, she still unconsciously noticed her every move, and she was still swayed by her emotions…

But she wouldn’t hold expectations for her like she did back then. Just, before this affection completely faded, she couldn’t accept anyone else.

And how long it would take for this affection to fade could only be left to time.

Zhong Ruyi didn’t respond immediately. She just looked at Shen Jia Yan quietly. Those eyes that always held a smile now resembled a deep autumn lake, calm on the surface but with subtle ripples beneath.

She nodded lightly, the corners of her mouth lifting in a very faint arc, as if accepting this gentle rejection or silently tucking away some expectation that hadn’t yet extinguished.

Without saying more, she turned to return to her spot.

Shen Jia Yan called out to her softly, “Ruyi.”

Zhong Ruyi quietly sniffled, blinked rapidly to suppress the sudden wetness in her eyes, and turned back. Her voice remained steady, even forcing a bit of a smile. “What is it?”

Shen Jia Yan looked straight into Zhong Ruyi’s eyes. Her smile was still warm, but now carried a weighty seriousness. “You’ll always be my best friend, my best partner, and the most outstanding bassist.”

Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was like a stone dropped into the center of a lake, stirring layers of ripples beneath Zhong Ruyi’s carefully maintained calm.

Zhong Ruyi blinked, the subtle ripples in her eyes finally replaced by a smile. She shrugged nonchalantly, her voice light and cheerful but with a barely detectable choke. “What, getting all sentimental? Of course we’re best friends, and of course I’m the most outstanding bassist.” She stepped closer to Shen Jia Yan, her fingertip flicking her drumstick with a crisp sound. “You’re also an outstanding drummer, just like me.”

She tilted her head, regaining her usual playful confidence. “You play your drums, I’ll play my bass. The intro’s yours, the harmony’s mine. Even if the world’s rhythm gets messed up, we can always find the beat again.”

With that, she turned and walked to her position, her steps much lighter. She waved the bass pick in her hand like bidding farewell to a breeze. “Practice starts. Don’t miss a beat, main drummer.”

Shen Jia Yan took a deep breath, gripped her drumsticks tightly, and the first heavy beat fell—crisp and resolute.

Zhong Ruyi’s bass followed immediately, steadily holding the rhythm. Zhou Ke’s guitar melody swept through like wind, and Wu Lin’s keyboard tones spread lightly, like morning light piercing through clouds, gently blending into the beat.

The notes intertwined and rose in the practice room.

※

At 6:30 p.m., dusk settled, and the city lights began to glow.

The city was gently wrapped in successively brightening lights, with traffic flowing like ribbons of light along the streets. The Chuze Band members rode to Island Bar. The car was less focused than during practice and filled with a rare lightness.

Everyone had changed clothes beforehand. Zhou Ke wore a fitted black shirt, Wu Lin chose a wine-red jacket with fringes, and Zhong Ruyi stayed sharp in a black leather jacket with silver chains, her eyes exuding a cool edge.

As for Shen Jia Yan, she had changed only under Lin Che’s near-“threatening” urging.

The car slowly entered Island Bar’s underground driveway.

The attendant opened the door, and warm yellow lights poured in.

Shen Jia Yan stepped out. Her tailored light blue silk shirt shimmered faintly under the overhead lights, with subtle embroidered patterns at the collar half-hidden. The sleeves were rolled to mid-forearm, revealing a slender wrist, and a simple silver watch reflected a cool gleam.

High-waisted draped trousers outlined her long figure, flowing like water with each step. The straight pant legs seemed sharp enough to cut through air, the hems slightly covering her black ankle boots, each step carrying an unhurried rhythm.

Lin Che and Yang Han, walking behind her, couldn’t help but marvel. “Jia Yan’s figure is really great. She hides it well usually.”

Lin Che exaggeratedly lowered his voice. “How did we never notice she looks so… lethal in a shirt? That aura gives one-eighty vibes.”

Yang Han chimed in. “You think I sign people randomly? Jia Yan has a lot that attracts me in every way.”

The underground garage was quiet and luxurious, the marble floor reflecting soft light, with a faint cedar scent in the air.

“Looks like they really booked the whole place.” Lin Che sighed softly. “This spot—you can’t even get a reservation usually.”

The attendant reminded them gently, “The elevator goes straight to the first floor. I’ll lead the way.”

The elevator doors opened silently, the mirrored walls reflecting their figures.

“Ding—” They reached the top floor.

The moment the doors opened, sea breeze carrying the thump of bass rhythms hit them.

The terrace was brightly lit yet intimately private, as if it belonged only to them.

In the distance, city lights spilled like a galaxy; nearby, the sea surface shimmered with tidal glows, like scattered silver shards.

And in the center of the terrace stood a solitary figure.

Wen Wan Ning had her back to them, wearing a wine-red long dress. The color was rich yet understated, like frozen sunset or aged wine sealed for years, shimmering with silky, subtle luster under the lights.

The skirt hem draped to her ankles, swaying gently with the sea breeze, outlining her slender yet upright silhouette. Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall, drifting lightly in the wind.

Shen Jia Yan’s steps halted at the doorway, her heartbeat suddenly disordered.

She had seen Wen Wan Ning in the glaring stage lights, sitting calmly and distantly in the audience; she had seen her wielding words like swords in court, sharp and commanding. But now, she had shed all armor, blending into the sea breeze and lights like an old dream gently retrieved by time.

She didn’t speak immediately, just watched quietly. Until Wen Wan Ning seemed to sense something and slowly turned around.

Their eyes met.

This was the first time Shen Jia Yan had seen Wen Wan Ning like this—so beautiful. Not the youthful beauty from school days; not the fierce beauty in court; not the restrained beauty under the stage. At this moment, she was like a poem soaked in moonlight, carrying a tipsy warmth and a subtle vulnerability.

Holding a wine glass, she walked toward Shen Jia Yan. “You’re here.” Her voice was softened by the sea breeze, like a feather landing on Shen Jia Yan’s heart.

Shen Jia Yan’s throat moved slightly, her fingertips unconsciously digging into her palm. That bit of pain was the only way she could suppress her heartbeat.

“Mm.” She responded softly, but her gaze couldn’t leave Wen Wan Ning’s face.

The wine-red dress made Wen Wan Ning’s skin translucent like moonlight, though her eyes hid a softness Shen Jia Yan had never seen.

“You…” Shen Jia Yan wanted to say “you’re beautiful,” but the words stopped at her lips.

Wen Wan Ning didn’t press, simply handing her another cup of non-alcoholic mojito. Their fingertips brushed lightly over the back of Shen Jia Yan’s hand, carrying a cautious warmth. “This one has no alcohol.” Then she looked at the group. “Come on, I’ll take everyone to the seats.”

Shen Jia Yan followed her to the long table on the other side of the terrace, her steps light but matching the rhythm of her heartbeat.

Lin Che, Yang Han, and the others had already sat down, greeting with smiles, but Shen Jia Yan’s attention stayed on the figure ahead.

Soon, Han Yuchu came over with a wine glass to say hello.

He wore a custom-fitted white suit, a minimalist silver lapel pin at the collar, standing beside Wen Wan Ning with eyes full of smiles. “Everyone’s here.”

Shen Jia Yan looked at them standing side by side—Han Yuchu’s tall, upright frame and gentle demeanor pairing perfectly with Wen Wan Ning, like the ideal couple.

Her fingertips tightened unconsciously, the chill of the glass seeping into her skin.

Lin Che teased him. “Yu Chu, looking sharp tonight.”

Han Yuchu smiled bashfully, unusually embarrassed. “Not bad, I guess. It’s all because my boyfriend insisted I dress this formally.”

The air froze for a moment.

Boyfriend?

Shen Jia Yan jerked her head up, looking at Han Yuchu, then instinctively at Wen Wan Ning.

But Wen Wan Ning’s expression remained unchanged; she even took a light sip of her wine, as if she had known all along.

Han Yuchu noticed everyone’s surprise and explained, “Forgot to introduce you.” He waved over a man nearby and said, “This is my boyfriend, Su Fang Yu. He’s the one who set up tonight’s gathering.”

Shen Jia Yan’s mind spun wildly.

Han Yuchu’s boyfriend, Su Fang Yu… Su Fang Yu set up the gathering… Wen Wan Ning had said at the courthouse that tonight was a private party organized by her cousin, so…

Su Fang Yu was Wan Ning’s cousin, and Han Yuchu was her cousin’s boyfriend?

Those “your bro’s coming back,” “what do you know”… they weren’t the flirtation and intimacy she had thought—they were Han Yuchu waiting for the person he liked.