On the bare tabletop lay only a single blue brocade box. Su Wanwan's mind was in turmoil as her gaze fixed unwaveringly upon it. The heavy footsteps clattered violently from downstairs. Bang! Xia Kelan burst in, panting heavily, swallowing hard to soothe her parched throat. She stopped by the table, her sweat-dampened hand slowly pried the box open.
"Exactly the same..." During her hurried trip to America this time, she had completely forgotten to deliver the cufflinks Su Wanwan had entrusted to her last time to Zuo Qingyan. She was still pondering when to send them when Su Wanwan called her.
"So... so you're saying the person who took you from the hotel that night was actually your current husband, Fu Liangmu?" Xia Kelan clicked her tongue in disbelief.
Su Wanwan stared deeply at the identical pair of cufflinks and sighed profoundly, giving a faint hum of affirmation.
"Oh my God..." Xia Kelan found it almost unbelievable. "What a staggering coincidence!"
"This is even less likely than winning five million!"
"Wanwan, does Fu Liangmu actually know that the person from that night was you?"
"If he knew, why hasn't he told you?"
"Has he investigated the hotel incident at all?"
"If he's unaware it was you, then he's utterly irresponsible—just eating his fill and walking away!"
Listening to Xia Kelan's volley of questions, Su Wanwan felt her head grow heavier by the moment.
"I don't know either, not yet."
"I'll go ask him!" Xia Kelan declared boldly and strode toward the door.
Pausing at the threshold, she turned back sheepishly. "Why aren't you stopping me?"
"Your man is terrifying. If I go over, wouldn't he kill me on the spot?"
Su Wanwan patted the chair beside her, and Xia Kelan immediately sat obediently.
"Wanwan, what are you really thinking?"
"Looking on the bright side, at least that man is your current husband, which makes some sense emotionally and logically."
After a pause, she muttered softly, "Still, Wanwan, you're the one suffering the most!"
"That guy's so ugly, ugh!"
Su Wanwan rubbed her forehead. "When he returns, I intend to question him."
"Good!" Xia Kelan grasped her hand but noticed the coldness. A pang of sympathy surged through her, and in her heart, she poured out every curse upon that scoundrel Ye Nan! If it weren't for him, Su Wanwan wouldn't have been framed by Su Nian and ended up in Fu Liangmu's bed, would she? Initially, Xia Kelan thought the lesson taught today was enough, but now it seemed that no number of punishments would suffice!
Her beautiful eyes flickered with furious light, alternating between bright and dim...
After a hectic afternoon, she finally lay down to rest. Ye Nan collapsed onto the bed, rummaged in the bedside drawer, and swallowed two stomach pills. Just as he was about to drift off, the insistent vibration jolted him awake.
Irritated, he turned over, but upon seeing the caller ID, his expression changed sharply.
"Miss Xia!"
"Mr. Ye, what are you up to?" Xia Kelan's sweet voice, dripping with honey, instantly dispelled Ye Nan's fatigue.
"I just finished handling a company project."
"Mr. Ye works so hard, still busy at this hour—such a diligent model employee!" Xia Kelan giggled, "I really hope to find a boyfriend like this someday; after all, a man who takes his work seriously is the most attractive."
Ye Nan blushed slightly. "Miss Xia, you flatter me."
"So hardworking, Mr. Ye, why not come out for a cup of tea to relax? I know a nice place, and it's not crowded."
At those last four words, Ye Nan's brow twitched sharply. As a man, he immediately sensed the subtle invitation. Rising promptly, he said, "Send me the address; I'm on my way!"
"I'm already at your doorstep, Mr. Ye. No rush; take your time."
Ye Nan roughly undid his belt, stripping as he headed to the bathroom. A hurried shower and a wash of his hair followed. He meticulously styled his hair with gel, ensuring every strand was perfect. Finally, he spritzed on the perfume Su Nian had given him.
Having completed his preparations, he grabbed his phone and swiftly left the villa.
"Mr. Ye." Xia Kelan waved at Ye Nan, inwardly lamenting, This was all for nothing!
"Thank you, Miss Xia, for picking me up." Ye Nan forced a warm smile despite his stomach discomfort. His greatest skill was donning such a flawless mask; this elegant, scholarly facade easily won women's hearts.
"Not a bother at all. It's an honor to see you looking so handsome, Mr. Ye." Xia Kelan flattered him with her words, but her eyes mercilessly shifted away. Tsk—any random guy at the bar looks better than him! Even that middle-aged man could outshine him by miles!
The car drove along a secluded road, gradually deserted. A lone coffee shop still operated quietly. Inside were just a few scattered customers.
"When I'm feeling down, I like to come here for some sweets," Ye Nan said as he stepped out, scanning the remote alley. He warned, "Miss Xia, next time you want to come, just call me."
"This place is isolated, and it's dangerous for a girl alone."
"Sure." Xia Kelan smiled brightly, looping her arm through his. Ye Nan's pupils contracted, a thrill barely contained in his expression.
Inside the shop, they sat by the window, chatting and eating. Ye Nan had little appetite; he watched her eat and listened, playing the perfect boyfriend.
"Mr. Ye, you don't mind if I talk too much, do you?" Xia Kelan stirred her coffee, smiling softly.
"Not at all; I enjoy hearing you speak, Miss Xia."
"You're so kind, Mr. Ye. You not only accompany me shopping and dining but also listen to my troubles. Sometimes, I really envy Miss Su Nian for having such an exceptional boyfriend."
Ye Nan hastened to clarify, "I've broken up with Su Nian."
Xia Kelan was somewhat shocked. "Really?"
"I didn't even know..."
"Well, does that mean I have a chance now?"
Ye Nan chuckled lowly, wearing a self-assured, charming smile.
"That question should be coming from me."
By the time they left the coffee shop, it was already eleven at night. As they walked into the quiet alley to retrieve the car, suddenly five or six burly men appeared from nowhere, surrounding them.
Their lecherous eyes fixed on Xia Kelan.
"Not bad."
"Yeah, boss, this chick's a real catch!"
Like a frightened rabbit, Xia Kelan clung tightly to Ye Nan's coat behind him. His protective instincts surged instantly; he straightened his posture, face grim, and shouted angrily,
"Everyone back off!"
"Hahaha, boss, this brat's ordering us around?"
"If you want to be a hero and save the lady, you better weigh your own strength!"
"I suggest you stay back and hand over your woman to us."
"Otherwise, you won't leave here in one piece today!"