10:00 PM — The Continental Hotel
Feng Yan slipped his phone out from the inner pocket of his blazer and typed a brief message.
Look into a man named Zhou Yang. What business does he have with us? Give me the details.
— Feng Yan
He sent it without hesitation.
Across the bar, the alcohol was beginning to take effect.
After a few more drinks, Zhou Yang and Lan Xin's restraint visibly loosened. Their voices dropped, laughter softened, and the careful distance they had maintained earlier slowly dissolved.
Zhou Yang's arm slid around Lan Xin's waist as they walked out of the restaurant together, her body leaning naturally into his.
No more acting.
No more caution.
Feng Yan and Tian You watched quietly as the pair disappeared down the corridor.
Neither of them spoke.
They both knew—
What came next was no longer a matter of if, but when
Feng Yan's expression remained calm, unreadable—but beneath that composure, plans were already in motion.
He was never a man who acted without preparation
----------
Two days later — Shanghai
Yi Han returned to Shanghai and headed straight to The Continental Hotel from the airport. Her heart pounded with resolve—this time, she would end everything.
As she stepped into the grand lobby, her footsteps suddenly halted.
Zhou Yang.
He was exiting the elevator.
Alone.
Her breath caught.
Where is she?
Why is he alone?
Before Yi Han could react, Zhou Yang had already spotted her. A flicker of shock crossed his face, quickly masked by practiced composure.
Didn't she say she'd only return the day after tomorrow?
Why is she here now?
Is she actually checking up on me?
Suppressing his unease, Zhou Yang walked toward her with a familiar smile.
"Yi Han?" he said warmly. "How come you're back already? I thought you'd be returning in two more days."
He reached out, instinctively trying to hold her hands—playing the role of the attentive fiancé.
Yi Han's palms were slick with sweat.
Seeing his smile made her stomach twist. She hadn't anticipated this—not him standing there alone, without Lan Xin by his side. For a split second, doubt crept in, clouding her resolve.
Was I wrong…?
Unbeknownst to her, Lan Xin had already left the hotel in the early hours of the morning—long before Yi Han's arrival.
Yi Han stood frozen, words caught in her throat.
Just then—
"Ms Liu, shall we head to the conference room? The meeting will be starting shortly."
The calm, authoritative voice cut cleanly through the moment.
Yi Han turned.
It was Feng Yan.
He had just arrived at the hotel for a conference and immediately noticed her standing in the lobby—trapped in an uncomfortable exchange, her expression tense and helpless.
Zhou Yang stiffened.
Who was this man?
Annoyance flashed in his eyes as he shot Feng Yan a sharp glare, displeased at the interruption.
Feng Yan met his gaze coolly—unbothered, unreadable.
Then, without sparing Zhou Yang another glance, Feng Yan shifted his attention back to Yi Han, his tone composed and professional.
"Ms Liu," he repeated gently, as if Zhou Yang didn't exist.
Yi Han blinked, momentarily stunned.
In that instant, the balance of the situation shifted—quietly, decisively.
And Zhou Yang didn't even realize it yet.
Hearing Feng Yan's words, Yi Han reacted quickly, seizing the chance to regain control of the situation.
"Sorry, Zhou Yang," she said calmly. "It was a last-minute change of plans. There's an important meeting today, so I didn't have time to notify you."
Zhou Yang studied her for a brief moment. Something felt off—but he didn't dwell on it.
Instead, Yi Han took the initiative.
"Why are you here?" she asked, her tone casual. "Don't you need to be at the office?"
The question caught Zhou Yang off guard.
"Oh—" he hesitated for a split second before recovering smoothly. "I had a few drinks with James last night. Drank too much, so I didn't make it home. I stayed here for the night. I was just about to call you, and then you showed up."
Yi Han nodded lightly.
"Oh… I see."
Whether she believed him or not, she didn't show it.
"I have to go now," she said, stepping back. "See you later, Zhou Yang."
With that, she turned and walked toward the elevator.
Feng Yan was already there.
The elevator doors slid open, and Yi Han stepped inside beside him. As the doors closed, the silence that followed felt heavier than the moment she had just escaped.
Awkward.
"Mr Feng… just now—thank you."
Yi Han spoke softly, the awkwardness evident in her tone. She hadn't expected him to step in—especially not after knowing who he was.
We keep bumping into each other in the most awkward situations…
What kind of luck is this? she thought.
"Don't mention it," Feng Yan replied, his voice even, his expression composed.
The elevator slowed to a stop.
As the doors opened and Yi Han stepped out, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. Her vision blurred, her steps unsteady. She barely made it two paces before her knees weakened.
"—!"
Before she could fall, a pair of steady arms caught her. Again
Feng Yan supported her shoulders and arm without hesitation, grounding her weight with ease.
He frowned slightly.
In that instant, a quiet sense of pity rose in him. She was someone who should have been planning a joyful future—preparing to marry the man she loved. Instead, she stood here, exhausted and betrayed, forcing herself to remain composed. At this rate she'll have a mental breakdown one day.
This woman… Feng Yan thought.
She keeps collapsing in front of me.
The image of her lying unconscious by the roadside flashed through his mind—followed by her drunken, rosy-cheeked face outside The Hex Bar.
Once was coincidence.
Twice, maybe chance.
But this?
He lowered his gaze to her pale face, brows knitting almost imperceptibly.
Is this fate?
The thought lingered—uninvited, unsettling—and for the first time in a long while, Feng Yan didn't immediately dismiss it.
________________
Twenty minutes later, Yi Han found herself in a spacious suite room.
Chen-xi was there, speaking quietly with an in-house medical practitioner. The moment Yi Han stirred, he turned toward her.
"Mr Chen-xi?" Yi Han's voice was faint.
"Ms Liu—you're awake," Chen-xi said with visible relief. "You fainted earlier. Mr Feng brought you here but had to attend a conference on level five. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm really sorry for the trouble," Yi Han said, pushing herself up slightly. "I should leave."
"Ms Liu, please wait," Chen-xi stopped her gently. "You're not in a condition to leave yet. The doctor checked your blood sugar and blood levels—they're too low. That's why you've been having frequent fainting spells."
Yi Han was momentarily stunned.
Chen-xi continued, "Mr Feng has arranged for food to be delivered. You should eat and rest for a while before leaving."
"But—" Yi Han tried to protest.
"Ms Liu," Chen-xi interrupted kindly, "please don't worry. Consider it Mr Feng's gesture of goodwill."
There was no room for argument.
Yi Han hesitated, then finally nodded. "Alright… thank you."
Left alone in the suite, she slowly sat up and glanced around the room. The space was elegant yet restrained—tastefully furnished, understated luxury evident in every detail.
Her chest tightened slightly.
This must be expensive… she thought.
How am I ever going to repay him?
Still, for the sake of professionalism—and not wanting to offend Feng Yan, especially with the upcoming Business Week live show—Yi Han decided to rest a little longer before leaving.
She leaned back against the cushions, exhaustion creeping in once more, unaware that this small act of kindness was quietly drawing her deeper into Feng Yan's world.
When the food arrived, Yi Han was momentarily taken aback.
The staff set down light refreshments—sweet pastries, warm pasta, and nourishing sides. She recognized them instantly. These were foods known to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Her fingers paused mid-air.
Is this really just a coincidence…
Or did he actually think this through?
The thought made her chest tighten slightly.
No matter the reason, she ate slowly, savoring the delicate flavors. The food was impeccable—refined, comforting, unmistakably five-star quality. Warmth gradually returned to her limbs, the dizziness fading until her thoughts felt clear again.
She felt better. Much better.
I should thank him properly…
Opening her phone, she searched for the conference schedule. The event wouldn't end for another two hours. After a brief hesitation, she made her decision.
She would wait.
Settling herself in the lounge outside the conference rooms, Yi Han opened her laptop and immersed herself in work—editing notes, reviewing outlines, refining questions for the upcoming Business Week live show. Time slipped by unnoticed.
Two hours later.
The conference doors opened.
Feng Yan stepped out, his posture relaxed yet composed. Chen-xi leaned in slightly and spoke in a low voice, informing him that Yi Han had been waiting outside for two hours.
Feng Yan's gaze lifted.
He spotted her immediately.
She sat quietly in the lounge, eyes focused on her laptop screen, fingers moving steadily across the keyboard. Her brows were faintly knit in concentration, completely unaware of her surroundings.
Without realizing it, Feng Yan slowed his steps.
She waited…
He walked toward her.
"Feeling better?" His voice cut gently through her focus.
Yi Han startled, looking up abruptly. "Oh—Mr Feng!"
"Yes," she said quickly, standing up. "I'm feeling much better now. Thank you for earlier—and I'm really sorry for the inconvenience."
She reached into her bag and handed him an envelope with both hands.
"Please accept this."
Feng Yan glanced at the envelope, then at her—clearly not expecting it.
Before he could respond, Yi Han hurried on, her words tumbling out.
"I—I have to go now. Thank you again, Mr Feng, and Mr Chen-xi too! I'll send you the details for the Business Week live show very soon!"
She gave a small bow and turned, practically scurrying away down the corridor.
Feng Yan stood where he was, silent.
The envelope remained unopened in his hand.
Chen-xi glanced at him, then at Yi Han's retreating figure.
"…She's quite flustered," he remarked lightly.
Feng Yan didn't answer
Feng Yan glanced at Chen-xi, and for a brief moment, both of them looked equally puzzled.
He slid a finger under the flap of the envelope and opened it.
Inside was a small stack of cash—neatly arranged.
And a folded note.
Mr Feng, I'm sorry for the trouble and thank you for the hospitality today—and for the other night when we caused trouble outside The Hex Bar.
—Liu Yi Han
Feng Yan stared at the note for a few seconds.
Then, slowly, the corner of his lips lifted.
"Money?" he murmured, holding the cash between his fingers, an amused glint flickering behind his glasses.
It was the first time in his life that a woman had handed him money.
Not asked for it.
Not hinted at anything else.
Simply… returned it.
The thought was oddly refreshing.
And unexpectedly captivating.
He folded the note carefully and slid it back into the envelope.
Just then, Chen-xi stepped forward and handed him a document.
"Sir," Chen-xi said quietly, "these are the details you requested. The man you asked about—Zhou Yang—is currently in talks with Manager Zhang regarding a joint investment in District Six properties. However, it hasn't been submitted for approval yet."
Feng Yan's smile faded—but only slightly.
His eyes sharpened.
District Six.
He closed the folder with calm precision.
"Hasn't been approved," Feng Yan repeated softly.
The words carried weight.
Then, almost absentmindedly, his thumb brushed the edge of the envelope still in his hand.
"Interesting," he said.
Whether he was referring to the cash—
Or to Zhou Yang—
Even Chen-xi couldn't quite tell.
Chen-xi glanced at the envelope in Feng Yan's hand, disbelief flickering across his face.
What was Ms Liu thinking?
Returning money to President Feng?
This was the CEO of Feng Capital Group—a man who lacked nothing, someone with resources that ordinary people couldn't even begin to imagine.
Does she know how many zeros are in his net worth?
For a moment, Chen-xi genuinely wondered if she had been dizzy again.
And yet…
He hesitated.
Unlike the countless women who approached Feng Yan with carefully calculated intentions—investments, connections, advantages—Ms Liu's actions carried no agenda. No expectations. No ulterior motives.
Just sincerity.
Chen-xi exhaled softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
She's either completely out of her mind…
Or she's the only one who isn't.