"Nian Nian, are you out of your mind? Don't you care about your career as a celebrity anymore?""You admitted it publicly online—what director would dare cast you now?"
A petulant voice interjected. The speaker was a girl of delicate beauty, her features charming though not extraordinary. Without the slightest courtesy, she reached out and snatched Su Nian's phone, scrolling through the latest comments. Her brows knitted tightly in anger.
"That damned Su Wanwan! She always looked so quiet and reserved, but who would've thought she's such a scheming witch!""Marrying Fu Liangmu wasn't enough for her? Now she's trying to worm her way back into Ye Nan's life!"
The one speaking up for Su Nian was her close friend, Li Zhen.
Yet Su Nian remained unbothered, without the faintest trace of sorrow or heartbreak. Instead, she appeared composed and confident, as if the outcome were already within her grasp.
A subtle, provocative smile curved her lips. With graceful fingers, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Yes, she finally got what she wanted.""Ever since she married into the Fu family, she's done nothing but sow discord between Ye Nan and me."
Li Zhen was even more confused.
"If that's the case, why did you break up with Ye Nan?""As long as you're still with him, Su Wanwan will remain miserable.""Now you're just letting go—aren't you making room for her?"
Su Nian silently rolled her eyes at the mirror, cursing in her heart: Foolish!
Anyone with eyes could see that Ye Nan was completely bewitched by that vixen Su Wanwan. Even if his body was beside her, his heart had long since drifted far away.
If she clung on any longer, Ye Nan might begin to feel disgust toward her.
Better to make the first move, play the role of the heartbroken woman, and perhaps win back some of Ye Nan's sympathy.
Besides, her father's words weren't without merit—Su Wanwan was already married. What more could she possibly do with Ye Nan?
Though these thoughts swirled in her heart, the words that left her lips were far more circuitous.
"What else can I do?""To Nan-ge, I'm probably nothing more than an optional presence…""Perhaps in his eyes, I've never been able to measure up to my sister…"
Li Zhen grasped her hand tightly, trying to console and encourage her.
"Don't be ridiculous! How could that country bumpkin possibly compare to you?""You've been with Ye Nan for so long—feelings like that don't just vanish overnight.""Stop doubting yourself, Nian Nian. You're exceptional."
Tears welled up in Su Nian's eyes as she turned away, a faint sob escaping her throat.
"Do you really think so?""Of course I do!" Li Zhen affirmed with a nod full of conviction."That Su Wanwan has nothing going for her except that face! Don't you dare give up so easily!""If you need anything, just say the word. I'll help however I can!"
Su Nian seemed comforted by her words and smiled through her tears. Yet, a flicker of cold mockery flashed in her calculating eyes—cleverly hidden.
"Oh, forget it. You'd better just keep playing your pampered heiress role."
Li Zhen grew a bit anxious.
"Hey, don't underestimate me! My brother just came back from overseas!""With his status, a mere Su Wanwan is nothing to him.""Even Fu Liangmu wouldn't be worth his attention!"
Su Nian widened her eyes in surprise, a spark lighting up within as she leaned closer.
"Really?"
Li Zhen nodded with confidence, her chin lifted proudly. Mentioning her brother brought an unmistakable gleam of pride to her face.
"Of course it's true! He's attending a racing event as soon as he's back. Want to come watch with me?""Come to think of it, it's been five or six years since you two last met."
Su Nian bit her lip, fingers nervously twisting, hesitation written all over her.
"Would that really be… okay?"
Li Zhen countered with a laugh, "Why wouldn't it be?""You're my friend, which makes you his friend too!""I always thought you two would make a great couple. If things had gone that way, you'd be my sister-in-law by now.""Too bad he had to go abroad and take over the company. Who knew when he'd return…""And now that he's finally back, your heart already belongs to Ye Nan… sigh."
In Su Nian's mind, a handsome face surfaced without warning. She licked her lips slightly and swallowed.
"All right. I'll go with you."
…
Since that unexpected moment during the street race, Fu Ziyang hadn't come looking for Su Wanwan in days.
Su Wanwan, on the other hand, enjoyed her newfound freedom. She skipped work for several days and wandered the shopping districts of West City with Xia Kelan.
"Girl, what on earth are you trying to buy? My legs are about to fall off from following you around!""I like shopping too, but I prefer buying as I go!""But you? Just looking, not spending—not even a little excitement!"
Su Wanwan's eyes swept over a row of luxury counters. Her voice was calm.
"I'm just trying to figure out what would make a suitable birthday gift."
"Easy—perfume, jewelry, anything will do!"
"It's for Fu Liangmu's mother," Su Wanwan added quietly.
Xia Kelan stopped in her tracks, visibly troubled.
She'd breezed through countless relationships without a care, but matters involving mothers-in-law were foreign territory.
"Try to find out what she likes. Choose a brand she's fond of—can't go wrong with that."
"I have no idea." Su Wanwan answered bluntly.
She had never even met the woman, let alone conversed with her—how could she possibly know her preferences?
Xia Kelan gave a casual "Oh" and spoke with a carefree tone.
"Then just pick something you like. It's the thought that counts—she probably won't be too picky."
Her gaze landed on a watch and she signaled the salesperson.
"This one's pretty nice! Let's go with this."
"Okay."
Su Wanwan agreed decisively and swiped her card without further hesitation.
Gift in hand, she returned home.
Fu Liangmu was in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes. Hearing her come in, he didn't even turn his head.
"Sit down. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Got it."
Su Wanwan quietly gave thanks that she'd eaten a bit earlier with Xia Kelan—she was already 80% full.
When the dishes, which weren't particularly appetizing in appearance, were served, Su Wanwan took a small portion of rice and nibbled slowly.
Fu Liangmu frowned, displeased. His tone deepened.
"Why are you eating so little?"
Su Wanwan lied without batting an eye.
"I'm on a diet."
"You're already so thin. There's no need."
Every time he held her, it felt like he was cradling a child. Yet somehow, she still had curves in all the right places.
Su Wanwan picked up a vegetable and continued eating silently.
Fu Liangmu watched her for a long moment before speaking.
"My mother's birthday is this weekend. Come with me."
"Okay."
Seeing her calm reaction, Fu Liangmu immediately knew that big mouth Fu Ziyang had already told her.
After a pause, he decided to give her a heads-up anyway.
"She's not easy to get along with.""But I barely see her throughout the year.""If you don't like her, just stand by my side and say nothing.""I'll handle the rest."