Ning Yuxuan rarely sent messages to Xie Zhiyan, and when she did, it was always strictly business.
She assumed that a busy CEO like Xie Zhiyan, who had an entire conglomerate to manage, would prioritize efficiency and never waste time on idle chatter.
Today was an exception. Ning Yuxuan sent him that screenshot, unsure whether he would even respond.
After hitting send, there was no immediate reply.
Fortunately, Ning Yuxuan wasn’t the type to overthink things. Since he hadn’t answered, she simply undressed and headed to the shower.
After a warm bath and her skincare routine, she settled comfortably into bed.
When she picked up her phone again, she saw that Xie Zhiyan had replied fifteen minutes earlier: 【Now?】
At first, she didn’t understand. She scrolled back to her previous message and realized what he meant.
She had pointed out that his contact name in her phone was the only one with a special note, teasing him about whether he felt honored.
But instead of answering her question, Xie Zhiyan had latched onto the word "now" and thrown it back at her.
She couldn’t tell whether he cared about the past or the future.
After a moment’s thought, Ning Yuxuan decided to play his game and replied evasively: 【If you behave well, maybe this special treatment will last.】
Xie Zhiyan: 【Then I’ll have to work twice as hard as Ning Yuxuan’s personal shopper.】
...
When Gu Yunhao left the Ning residence, the bouquet of lilies had already been flung violently onto the backseat, petals scattered everywhere.
He’d initially wanted to toss them straight into the trash, but remembering Ning Yuxuan’s words, he refused to give her the satisfaction.
He had come with good intentions, ready to reconcile—even prepared to swallow his pride and apologize. Instead, his dignity had been trampled on repeatedly, leaving him seething with rage.
His childhood friend Qi Ang called, his tone as carefree as ever: “Hey, Hao, how’d it go? Did you win the beauty back?”
Gu Yunhao had enlisted Qi Ang’s help to source the most expensive, freshest lilies in Beicheng.
When a young heir like Gu Yunhao suddenly went flower shopping, there was only one possible reason—to impress a woman.
Originally, Gu Yunhao had promised to attend a dinner Qi Ang had arranged, but he’d canceled last minute to chase after Ning Yuxuan. Naturally, Qi Ang’s friends were buzzing with curiosity—
Just who was this woman who had reignited Gu Yunhao’s passion so soon after the messy affair with Cen Meng?
Amid the prodding of his friends in the private room, Qi Ang made the call.
Gu Yunhao, still fuming, responded with a string of curses.
Qi Ang wasn’t offended. If anything, his grin widened as Gu Yunhao vented.
The more frustrated Gu Yunhao was, the more amused he became.
Of course, he’d never let the young master catch onto his schadenfreude.
Once Gu Yunhao finished his tirade, Qi Ang soothed, “Come on, Hao, no woman’s worth this much anger. We’ve just moved to a new spot for drinks and food—why don’t you join us and lighten up?”
Gu Yunhao considered briefly before agreeing. “Send me the address.”
“You got it,” Qi Ang said cheerfully. “Location’s on your WeChat. The boys and I will be waiting for your grand arrival.”
After hanging up, the address popped up in a new message.
Gu Yunhao adjusted the navigation on the dashboard and stepped on the gas, a twisted sense of satisfaction rising in his chest.
Without Ning Yuxuan, he was still Gu Yunhao of the Beicheng Gu family—a future heir, surrounded by sycophants, free to indulge in all the pleasures life had to offer.
And her?
The day Xie Zhiyan got bored, she’d be nothing.
When Gu Yunhao arrived at the restaurant, his friends were already waiting in the private room.
Qi Ang was the first to greet him. “Come on, Hao, have a drink with us.”
The others chimed in with enthusiastic agreement.
Still simmering, Gu Yunhao took the glass and downed it in one go.
After a round of flattery, someone asked, “So, which clueless beauty had the nerve to piss you off today? Spill it.”
Gu Yunhao tossed his suit jacket aside and dropped into the head seat with a scowl. “You wouldn’t know her. Just some nobody.”
The humiliation of being rejected by an ex-girlfriend he’d gone crawling back to wasn’t something he’d ever admit to this crowd.
Especially since, back when he was still with Ning Yuxuan, he’d repeatedly belittled her in front of them. There was no way he’d embarrass himself now by admitting he’d tried to win her back.
Seeing his reluctance, the others quickly backed off. “Exactly, just a woman. Not worth your energy.”
“Yeah, without your favor, what can she possibly do? Look at that actress, Cen Meng—after you dumped her, she lost all her roles and endorsements. Heard she’s been begging you nonstop lately.”
The words soothed Gu Yunhao’s ego. Cen Meng had indeed been calling him desperately, her career in shambles since their breakup.
Gu Yunhao had blacklisted all the phone numbers Cen Meng had tried contacting him from. Eventually, Cen Meng seemed to realize there was no hope left and finally gave up. Now, Gu Yunhao couldn’t help but wish Ning Yuxuan would suffer just as much after leaving him, crawling back to beg like Cen Meng had.
But this afternoon…
Gu Yunhao frowned and asked casually, “By the way, has there been any follow-up on that matter with the Xie family?”
The group exchanged glances, unsure why he’d suddenly bring up the Xies.
Someone asked, “Which matter?”
Gu Yunhao replied, “I heard Xie Zhiyan has been seeing a woman.”
A few of them looked at each other before one caught on. “Oh, you mean that rumor about Xie being spotted at a Sichuan restaurant with some woman?”
It was old gossip by now, and no one had ever found out who the woman was. No one had expected Gu Yunhao to bring it up.
“Why are you asking about this now, Hao?” Qi Ang probed. “Do you know who she is?”
Gu Yunhao scoffed. “How would I know? I just remembered it and thought I’d ask.”
If he knew who the woman was, he could use it to provoke Ning Yuxuan—make her realize that without him, she was nothing.
The group flattered him a bit more before returning to their drinks.
As the night wore on and the alcohol took effect, the conversation grew raunchier.
One bold soul decided to poke at Gu Yunhao’s sore spot. “Hao, what about that little bitch Ning who humiliated you? Aren’t you going to make her pay?”
Gu Yunhao shot him a glare and slammed his glass onto the table.
Qi Ang quickly intervened. “Don’t get mad, Hao. This idiot doesn’t know when to shut up.”
Gu Yunhao’s eyes darkened, his words slurred with drink. “Ning… Yuxuan… She’ll regret leaving me. Just wait.”
---
On Monday morning, Ning Yuxuan met with a designer.
For the past two weeks, she’d been researching hotel design concepts and had reached out to several designers, but none had worked out.
Then Ning Fei recommended an interior designer through a friend. After chatting on WeChat, Ning Yuxuan found their design philosophy aligned perfectly with her vision.
She immediately scheduled a meeting for the day after her variety show’s live broadcast.
After their discussion, they settled on the overall direction for the design. But there were still countless details to refine, so Ning Yuxuan booked more of the designer’s time to visit the site and finalize the specifics.
That evening, she met Tao You for dinner.
They hadn’t seen each other in over six months, and since they’d promised a lavish meal, Ning Yuxuan reserved a table at an upscale restaurant in downtown Beicheng.
Securing a spot usually required booking at least a week in advance, but Ning Fei happened to be a VIP member and called in a favor when she heard her daughter was meeting an old friend.
When they met, Tao You stared at Ning Yuxuan for a long moment.
“Yuxuan,” she said, blinking. “You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”
She’d always known Ning Yuxuan was stunning—ever since their A University days, when she’d caused a stir and attracted endless suitors. But something about her now was different, more radiant.
Ning Yuxuan smiled. “Thank you.”
She thought maybe it was because she’d finally broken free from the script controlling her life and reclaimed herself.
They ordered, and though the first few exchanges were a little stiff, they quickly fell back into their old rhythm.
With half a year’s worth of catching up, there was plenty to talk about.
Tao You was still at the company she’d joined after graduation and had recently been promoted.
Her boyfriend—the same one from the basketball team—was still around too. Five years into their relationship, they were now discussing marriage.
Tao You made Ning Yuxuan promise, “When I get married, you have to be my bridesmaid! We swore we’d do this for each other, no matter who got hitched first.”
Ning Yuxuan nodded. “Of course. Just give me the date in advance so I can clear my schedule.”
Tao You beamed. “That’s all I needed to hear! The moment I set a date, you’ll be the first to know.”
Ning Yuxuan mentioned her plans to help her mother manage their hotels and design two new themed locations.
Tao You lit up. “Really? When they open, can I check them out? Maybe… maybe I could even have my wedding there!”
Ning Yuxuan laughed. “Absolutely. Whether you’re staying or hosting an event, just say the word. It’s on me.”
Tao You waved her off. “No, no, a discount’s enough!”
The two of them had reconnected because of Shen Chipeng’s trending scandal, and as they chatted, Tao You brought him up again.
"Xuanxuan, you have no idea about that Shen Chipeng," Tao You wrinkled her nose. "Lately, he’s been going around telling everyone about you again."
Ning Yuxuan: "Telling them what?"
Tao You immediately opened her phone’s photo album and showed Ning Yuxuan a screenshot.
It was a group chat record.
The group name was "A University School of Management Basketball Team."
Shen Chipeng: [Hey, has anyone heard? Our department’s flower got married.]
Zhang Zhong: [Which department flower?]
Shen Chipeng: [Who else? The gorgeous Ning Yuxuan, of course.]
Zhang Zhong: [I never heard she got married. Wasn’t she just publicly feuding with her rich ex-boyfriend online a few days ago?]
Chen Jie: [Yeah, no way she’s married. I’ve been keeping up with her social media—no wedding photos.]
Zhang Zhong: [Where’d you hear this from? @Shen Chipeng]
Shen Chipeng: [She told me herself when I asked her out to dinner. Said she’s married now and has a husband.]
Shen Chipeng: [Chat screenshot]
Chen Jie: [Hahaha, dude, she was probably just making that up to avoid going out with you.]
Zhang Zhong: [Yeah, man. These days, women just say they’re married to reject guys. You got played.]
Chen Jie: [Zhang Zhong, don’t put it like that. It’s Ning Yuxuan who doesn’t know what’s good for her. Probably still dreaming of marrying into wealth, turning down our captain like that.]
…
The screenshot ended there.
Seeing Ning Yuxuan had finished reading, Tao You fumed, "That Shen Chipeng is such a jerk. What business is it of his whether you’re married or not? And he even posted your chat in the group!"
Ning Yuxuan pushed the freshly served lemon tea toward her. "Calm down."
Tao You took a big sip. "Tastes good."
"But what a shame…" Tao You continued, "When they were chatting in the group, I was right there. I got so mad I took the screenshot and told my boyfriend to leave the group immediately. Not like he keeps in touch with them after graduation anyway."
She took another sip. "Looking back, I acted too impulsively. I should’ve had him stay to see if they’d keep badmouthing you."
Ning Yuxuan reassured her, "It’s fine. I don’t care what they say."
Tao You pouted. "I know, but it still makes me angry. Especially Shen Chipeng—he’s the worst. Back in college, when you turned him down, he went around badmouthing you everywhere."
As they sipped their drinks and chatted, their food arrived.
The restaurant was pricey, but the dishes matched the cost—exquisitely plated.
Tao You snapped photos of the food from every angle, then pulled Ning Yuxuan in for a selfie.
"We finally meet up, and at such a nice place. I’m posting this," Tao You said.
She opened a beauty filter app, took a few shots of them together, and uploaded them with the caption—
"Long time no see, my dear Xuanxuan! [Heart]"
.
Meanwhile, Shen Chipeng was also having dinner with some college friends.
After that group chat the other day, Chu Bowen suddenly suggested the basketball team reunite for a meal—his treat.
The group had nearly twenty members, all former players from A University’s management school team.
Aside from those who’d moved away after graduation, eight still lived in Beicheng—though one had mysteriously left the group at some point.
But that guy had always been a loner, never active in chats, so no one really noticed.
Hearing someone else was footing the bill, the rest quickly agreed to meet Monday night.
Seven showed up, with Chu Bowen hosting.
Beyond the surface reason, Chu Bowen had another motive for organizing this—he was riding high lately.
Among their A University peers, he’d been one of the less successful, scraping by on a modest salary thanks to living with family.
But this year, his suburban home got demolished for redevelopment, netting him three apartments and over a million yuan.
Suddenly flush, the single man started splurging, eager to flaunt his new wealth.
Treating his former teammates was just another way to show off.
Entering the private room, Chu Bowen removed his jacket to reveal a new Swiss watch—a 100,000-yuan flex.
When the others noticed, he casually dropped his family’s windfall, instantly becoming the center of attention.
After mutual admiration, drinks flowed and conversation turned—as it often does among men in their twenties—to women.
Zhang Zhong asked, "Chipeng, what made you suddenly ask the department belle out to dinner the other day? Trying to win her back?"
At the mention of this, Shen Chipeng looked somewhat embarrassed. "That wasn't my intention at all. I just happened to see her trending online and thought of her. She misunderstood."
Chen Jie joined the conversation. "Speaking of which, I remember more than just Chipeng had a crush on Ning Yuxuan back in the day, right? Bowen, didn’t you also have feelings for her at one point?"
Chu Bowen waved his hand dismissively. "She didn’t even give Shen a chance, let alone someone like me. Besides, her ex-boyfriend was some rich heir from a wealthy family. People like us ordinary folks wouldn’t even register on her radar."
Chen Jie clicked his tongue. "Now that’s where you’re wrong. No matter how impressive her ex was, he’s still an ex, isn’t he? If he didn’t marry her, it was just a fling! And Bowen, you’re not the same as before—aren’t you financially free now? Even if Ning Yuxuan wouldn’t look at anyone else, she wouldn’t turn you down."
Shen Chipeng’s expression darkened. Chen Jie’s words were clearly praising Chu Bowen while putting him down.
Chu Bowen humbly deflected the compliments, though inwardly, he was preening with pride.
The group continued to lavish praise on Chu Bowen for a while.
Then Chen Jie, scrolling through his phone, suddenly exclaimed, "Huh? Isn’t that Tao You and Ning Yuxuan? Looks like they’re eating nearby too."
The others immediately perked up with interest.
Chen Jie showed them his phone. "Look, this is Tao You’s—Ning Yuxuan’s roommate—WeChat Moments post. The location tag shows they’re somewhere close by."
Someone recognized the restaurant name in the tag. "Silverer… I’ve heard of that place. It’s a high-end restaurant, just a few floors above us. Hey, Bowen, why didn’t you take us there instead?"
Chu Bowen’s expression soured.
When he had searched for upscale restaurants in the city center suitable for treating guests, Silverer had been the first result.
He had originally planned to book a table there to impress his old teammates.
But when he called, he was told that only VIPs could reserve a table with just a day’s notice—otherwise, reservations had to be made at least a week in advance.
Zhang Zhong noticed Chu Bowen’s discomfort and tried to smooth things over. "Hey, this place is great too. It’s pretty upscale, isn’t it?"
But Shen Chipeng suddenly interjected, "Since they’re so close, why don’t we invite them to join us?"
Chen Jie had been thinking the same thing and immediately agreed. "Sure, I’ll give Tao You a call."
He dialed her number. "Hey, Tao You? Yeah, it’s me. So, I saw your WeChat Moments post. A few of us are eating nearby—how about you two come over later and we can catch up?"
After a brief exchange, Chen Jie’s expression turned awkward.
Hanging up, he muttered, "That girl’s really something. If she won’t give me face, fine, but she could at least show Bowen some respect. I tried everything, but they just refused. Should we drop it?"
Shen Chipeng, however, was persistent. "Maybe it’s because we’re all guys, and they’re too shy to come alone? Why don’t a few of us go up and meet them instead?"
...
Ning Yuxuan and Tao You had just finished dinner and were leaving the restaurant when three men approached them.
Tao You’s face stiffened. "What are you doing here?"
She recognized them—they had been on her boyfriend’s basketball team back in college.
From what she knew, they weren’t exactly upstanding characters. Her boyfriend had refused to associate with them and had even been ostracized for it.
After graduation, he had cut ties with them completely.
Chen Jie grinned. "Hey, we just happened to be downstairs and thought we’d drop by. Miss Tao, Miss Ning, remember us?"
Tao You glanced at Ning Yuxuan and could tell she didn’t recognize any of them.
She quietly filled her in. "They’re from the basketball team. From left to right: Chu Bowen, Chen Jie, and Shen Chipeng."
Ning Yuxuan narrowed her eyes. She didn’t recall their faces, but the name "Shen Chipeng" rang a bell.
Shen Chipeng hadn’t taken his eyes off Ning Yuxuan since spotting her.
When he’d seen her in Tao You’s WeChat Moments post earlier, his interest had been reignited.
But the photo had clearly been edited—Shen Chipeng had assumed that after all these years, Ning Yuxuan’s looks must have faded, and she only appeared presentable thanks to filters and beauty apps.
Now, face-to-face, he realized she was even more beautiful than before.
As Ning Yuxuan’s gaze landed on him, Shen Chipeng stepped forward. "Yuxuan, last time you made excuses not to see me. Who knew fate would bring us together again like this?"
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
She had no idea how he had the nerve to call this "fate."
Tao You couldn't hold back any longer: "Chen Jie, I already told you on the phone that I didn’t want to meet. Why did you still come?"
Chen Jie gave an awkward chuckle. "Well, Chipeng insisted on coming. Right?" He glanced over, and aside from Shen Chipeng, Chu Bowen was also staring intently at Ning Yuxuan.
Seeing that Ning Yuxuan ignored Shen Chipeng, Chu Bowen secretly felt pleased.
Back in school, Shen Chipeng had always been popular with girls—good-looking and outgoing, never short of girlfriends—while Chu Bowen had never been as well-liked.
But now, Shen Chipeng had gained weight, his looks fading a bit, while Chu Bowen had become far wealthier.
Rumor had it that women grew more pragmatic after graduation, and these days, he was definitely the more desirable one.
Chu Bowen stepped forward, extending his hand. "Yuxuan, hello. I’m Chu Bowen."
As he reached out, he deliberately flicked his sleeve, letting the Swiss watch—worth a solid 100,000 yuan—peek out.
Shen Chipeng gritted his teeth, shooting Chu Bowen a glare.
This guy had been one-upping him all through dinner, and now he’d stubbornly tagged along.
Who didn’t know that he, too, had once had feelings for Ning Yuxuan?
Shen Chipeng cut in. "Bowen, Yuxuan might not remember you. I’m closer with her—let me introduce—"
"Gentlemen," Ning Yuxuan interrupted, "Tao You and I have things to do. We won’t be staying to catch up."
Tao You nodded eagerly. "Yeah! Xuanxuan and I still have shopping to do."
Shen Chipeng wasn’t ready to give up. Running into her like this was rare—who knew when he’d see her again?
He pressed on. "Yuxuan, I know I was too pushy last time, and you had to say you were married just to get rid of me. But this is just a coincidence—can’t we talk for a minute?"
Ning Yuxuan remained expressionless. "No."
Shen Chipeng: "..."
Chu Bowen blamed Shen Chipeng for ruining his chance and spoke up. "Chipeng, she already said she’s busy. Why push it? Yuxuan, Tao You, we won’t keep you. But since we ran into each other, how about adding me on WeChat before you go?"
Ning Yuxuan sighed.
What rotten luck—just trying to enjoy a meal with a friend, and she ended up dealing with these pests.
Her phone buzzed twice in her pocket. She pulled it out and glanced at the screen.
Xie Zhiyan: [Auntie mentioned you’re having dinner with friends at Silverer tonight.]
Xie Zhiyan: [I happen to be nearby for work. Want me to pick you up when I’m done?]
Under normal circumstances, Ning Yuxuan might have hesitated.
But right now, she needed an excuse to shake off these men. Without bothering to text back, she tapped Xie Zhiyan’s name and called him directly.
Two rings later, the call connected.
Ning Yuxuan softened her voice. "Honey—"
