Volume 1, Chapter 17: Young Master Jing, You Must Be Magnanimous!

A week later, Ye Wu secured the lease for the storefront.

Because the location and price were excellent, she signed a five-year contract and handed the landlord a check. Given the sluggish economic climate, the landlord was delighted by such a long commitment. After he left, Ye Wu sat and finished her coffee—a habit she had cultivated over many years.

Suddenly, a sweet voice rang out beside her: "Sister Ye Wu."

Ye Wu was startled. It was Gu Nian'an, Gu Jiuchi's younger sister.

Gu Nian'an was still in college and had never been particularly close to Ye Wu, yet today she was exceptionally warm, running over to hug Ye Wu’s arm and chatting with affectionate familiarity. The girl was lively and sweet, and even someone as cold-natured as Ye Wu felt a touch of fondness. She called the server over and ordered two small desserts for Gu Nian'an.

Moments later, the desserts arrived. Gu Nian'an ate with obvious enjoyment. Once she finished one, she seemed to remember her purpose: "Tomorrow is my brother's birthday. There’s a party; you should come."

Gu Jiuchi’s birthday? Ye Wu did not hesitate to politely decline: "I may not be able to find the time."

Gu Nian'an looked understanding: "Don't worry! Zhou Jinghuai definitely won't be there. He never attends these boring parties... I swear it on my brother's life."

Ye Wu thought to herself that Gu Jiuchi would need nine lives to withstand such reckless gambling by his sister. After a moment's reflection, she agreed. She did, after all, owe Gu Jiuchi a favor.

***

On her way back, Ye Wu stopped by the shopping mall to buy a gift for Gu Jiuchi. Considering their relationship, she decided on a gold fountain pen—a gift that maintained social boundaries without appearing stingy. After much deliberation, she chose one priced at 126,000.

After she swiped her card, the sales clerk tried to upsell her: "Ma'am, you're buying this for your husband's birthday, right? We have a new collection of exquisite tie pins and cufflinks made from top-tier materials. Would you like to take a look?"

Ye Wu wanted to explain, but the clerk had already brought over a silver tray. Not wanting to make things difficult for the worker, she picked up a piece to inspect it. Having been Mrs. Zhou for four years, she had personally managed all of Zhou Jinghuai’s accessories, and her eye for quality had been sharpened over the years.

She smiled faintly: "This tie pin is quite nice."

The clerk praised her taste, clearly eager for the sale. In truth, 180,000 was nothing to Ye Wu, but she stared at the pin for a long time before murmuring softly: "What a pity. I no longer have anyone to give it to."

At the elevator, Zhou Jinghuai stood silently. Rongen Group had acquired this mall a week ago, and he was here for an inspection, never expecting to run into Ye Wu.

Ye Wu was picking out a tie pin for him. He couldn't help but think that she must still care for him deep down, or she wouldn't be buying him gifts. He recalled their past; their marriage hadn't been that bad. Aside from her coldness in the bedroom, Ye Wu was irreproachable in all other aspects. Moreover, she had become much softer and slimmer, making a man want to pull her into his arms, offer comfort, and be intimate.

Currently, he felt a craving for her.

Seeing his boss distracted, Secretary Lin whispered, "Young Master Jing, Manager Liu is giving his report."

Zhou Jinghuai withdrew his gaze. Surrounded by his entourage, he left. As he walked, he couldn't help but think that their four years of marriage were like bones intertwined—they couldn't truly be severed. Reconciliation was only a matter of time.

***

The next day, Ye Wu got stuck in traffic. By the time she reached the private room at the clubhouse, she was half an hour late. She pushed the door open and apologized naturally: "I'm so sorry for being late."

The luxurious room fell dead silent.

Gu Jiuchi’s dozen or so childhood friends all sat quietly, some surreptitiously touching their noses as they watched the drama unfold: *Zhou Jinghuai’s wife, sneaking off to celebrate another man’s birthday. Zhou Jinghuai catches her red-handed. But since he doesn't love her, maybe it won't turn into a scene.*

Zhou Jinghuai reclined in a corner sofa, dressed in black, his figure blending into the shadows. Even in such a setting, he radiated an air of nobility, untouched by the world, like a cold and unreachable god. His eyes were deep as he gazed at Ye Wu in the doorway.

It was obvious that Ye Wu had dressed up for the occasion—a misty gray-blue silk dress that nipped at her slender waist, a long white mother-of-pearl necklace, diamond tassel earrings, and a matching handbag and watch. She looked both wealthy and alluring.

He didn't know when it started, but Ye Wu had changed. She had become incredibly womanly, her every gesture bewitching a group of men, himself included. However, Zhou Jinghuai believed this was merely the work of hormones, having nothing to do with love. Once his physical needs were satisfied, this feeling toward her should fade.

He then looked at Ye Wu’s hands. She was holding an exquisite box, clearly a birthday gift for Gu Jiuchi.

So, she had bought the gift for Gu Jiuchi. It wasn't for him, Zhou Jinghuai!

The slight joy he had felt upon seeing her yesterday vanished. His gaze grew cold, looking at Ye Wu as if she were a cheating wife.

The atmosphere in the room was delicate. Gu Nian'an bit the bullet and led Ye Wu inside: "I'm so sorry! I really didn't know Zhou Jinghuai would come. He’s never attended my brother’s parties before; he always said they were boring."

Ye Wu didn't blame the girl. She wasn't intimidated by Zhou Jinghuai either. She was going to divorce him; it was her freedom to associate with whomever she pleased.

She presented the gift: "Happy birthday, Counselor Gu."

Gu Jiuchi took it with a faint smile: "Thank you for your trouble."

Someone joked, "Jiuchi rarely smiles! To think he’d reserve his first one for Jinghuai’s wife. Young Master Jing, you must be magnanimous tonight."

They were all childhood friends, and they dared to joke like this only because they knew Zhou Jinghuai didn't love Ye Wu. Who would care about a woman they didn't love? Zhou Jinghuai’s heart belonged to another.

Little did they know, the man in the corner had a gaze as cold as ice, though his expression remained unreadable. He smoked languidly, watching Ye Wu with indifference.

Now, she no longer cared about his feelings. She was openly showing favor to another man.

Ye Wu ignored Zhou Jinghuai, and Zhou Jinghuai did not grovel before her in front of others. It seemed they had truly reached the end.

The people present were all sharp; they guessed that the divorce was a certainty, and their attitudes toward Ye Wu shifted, becoming much warmer. She was truly beautiful tonight. And who could dislike a beautiful woman?

Ye Wu was pulled into a game of Truth or Dare. She sat next to Gu Jiuchi. As they reached for cards, there was inevitable contact, creating a sense of ambiguity. At the very least, Gu Jiuchi’s intentions were no longer innocent. He never would have played such a childish game in the past; his exception tonight was clearly for Ye Wu.

Gu Jiuchi drew a King. The group seized the moment, clamoring to hear the Counselor’s inner thoughts and asking if he had a woman he liked. Gu Jiuchi replied calmly, "I will answer honestly."

The room went quiet. They weren't blind. Gu Jiuchi’s feelings were clear as day. In the past, who would have believed it?