Volume One, Chapter 10: Meeting Again at the Bar

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Si Tang linked arms with Meng Linchuan and waited until they reached a quiet place before slowly letting go. She rested both hands against the window frame, the cool breeze brushing her face, easing some of the restlessness in her heart.

"Tang Tang, is he really your ex-husband?" Meng Linchuan was no fool; at a glance, he could see the subtle connection between the two.

Si Tang paused for a moment, her gaze calm as she stared out the window. The faint press of her lips was an unspoken confirmation.

Meng Linchuan’s eyes were drawn to the soft contours of her profile. Against the night’s shadow, her expression was inscrutable, revealing no joy or anger.

He opened his mouth to speak but ultimately said nothing more on the subject.

"So, does this mean we’re reconciled?" he asked.

Si Tang didn’t understand why Meng Linchuan would jump to such a conclusion about their relationship.

Did he think their half-year silence was merely a quarrel?

She felt awkward and embarrassed, especially in front of Meng Linchuan—a man gentle and gentlemanly to his core.

"If you think so, then I guess it is," she replied lightly.

Neither wanted to revisit that unpleasant chapter.

As the banquet wore on and many guests departed, Si Tang and Tan Yin linked arms and left.

Tan Yin had deliberately tried to set her up with Meng Linchuan and hadn’t appeared after speaking on stage.

Such devotion from a best friend was touching—if only her efforts were directed wisely.

While waiting for the driver, Gu Yubai was surrounded by four or five senior executives as he exited the main entrance.

Passing by them, Si Tang immediately turned her back, unwilling to spare even a glance.

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Half a month had passed since that banquet. Si Tang had resumed her hectic schedule, traveling constantly on business trips.

Gu Yubai hadn’t disturbed her but had sent his secretary to confirm payments, transferring the remaining project balance into the company’s account.

Since repayment wasn’t necessary, she considered it compensation for her emotional distress.

Coinciding with the company’s monthly team-building event, Si Tang was in a good mood and announced in the office,

“Tonight’s on me. Let’s go wherever you want.”

Cheers erupted, heartfelt admiration for Si Tang shining through.

“Tang Jie, we’re all adults now. How about the new bar nearby?” someone suggested.

Si Tang had never been to a bar since returning to the country. She called Tan Yin, who readily agreed.

“Meng Linchuan’s free too. Let’s invite him,” she added, unwilling to miss any chance to bring them together.

“Do you want the tabloid to catch the film emperor drunk at a hotel party tomorrow?” Si Tang retorted with mock annoyance.

“Alright then,” Tan Yin replied regretfully.

With two stunning boss ladies leading the way, the employees were thrilled. Work was one thing; outside, they planned to let loose.

Tan Yin’s spirits soared. After singing a rousing song in the private room, she made a bold toast, vowing wealth and prosperity, lifting the atmosphere to a peak.

Then she grabbed a bottle and danced atop the booth to the beat.

Everyone dispersed under the kaleidoscope of lights, bodies twisting in the dance floor’s heat, identities blurring.

Si Tang had a bit to drink—high-proof whiskey—and her mind wasn’t quite clear. She went to the restroom to wash her face.

Wiping away droplets, she opened her eyes and suddenly met a strange gaze.

The man had dyed pink hair, wore a low-cut shirt, and carried the careless air of a spoiled heir.

Now, his eyes narrowed with suspicion as he turned to her.

“Am I seeing things? You’re… my brother’s wife? Haven’t seen you in ages. Are you here to check on Yu Ge’s post?”

At his voice, Si Tang’s dull mind scrambled to recall who he was.

Shen Ming’an, a close friend in Gu Yubai’s circle, a true slacker. He’d even been a groomsman at their wedding.

But why was he still calling her sister-in-law?

Even if Gu Yubai had married Su Yuejin for legitimacy, hadn’t he publicly announced their divorce?

“Who’s your sister-in-law? Don’t go making up relatives,” Si Tang said, though the words didn’t quite catch up with her thoughts.

“Sis-in-law, Yu Ge’s in the private room. Who did you drink with?” Shen Ming’an asked.

Normally, he wouldn’t speak so politely or formally, but it had been too long, and the woman before him was nothing like the image he remembered.

If anything, her aura had changed...

Si Tang said nothing, but hearing “Yu Ge” confirmed Gu Yubai’s presence.

She muttered to herself, wondering why this guy just wouldn’t disappear.

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Returning to the private room, Shen Ming’an found Gu Yubai lighting his third Cuban cigar of the evening. He hadn’t touched alcohol. The dim light flickered over his chiseled features.

“Yu Ge, guess who I saw?” Shen Ming’an whispered with mock drama.

Gu Yubai barely glanced at him, his expression indifferent.

Only when he heard Si Tang’s name did a flicker of emotion cross his face.

“Yu Ge, you’re quite the ladies’ man. You never mention your sister-in-law—hiding a treasure house from prying eyes?” Shen Ming’an teased, clicking his tongue. “But you’ve got a little starlet as your white moonlight, too. I’d be torn.”

Gu Yubai rapped his friend on the back of the head. Shen Ming’an yelped, clutching his neck.

“You call her sister-in-law?” Gu Yubai hadn’t publicly disclosed his divorce, not even to his closest friends.

If this got back to Si Tang, she’d probably put on her usual cold act, mock him, then vanish like a sharp shadow.

“Yeah,” Shen Ming’an grinned mischievously. “She even said she’s not my sister-in-law. Please, that’s my way of acknowledging you as my big brother.”

Gu Yubai stood abruptly.

“Where is she now?”

“How should I know? Probably on the dance floor.” Shen Ming’an downed a drink, already arm-in-arm with a model who’d joined them.

Something felt off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Gu Yubai left the private room.

Originally, only Si Tang and Tan Yin occupied the booth, but soon several men approached, drinks in hand, trying to flirt.

“Hey beautiful, got a boyfriend?” one oily man licked his lips and leaned close, shouting over the deafening music.

Though drunk, Tan Yin was still aware enough to pull Si Tang toward her.

Si Tang sat on the sofa, conscious but unable to speak clearly.

“Yeah, he’s coming soon,” she mumbled.

“Oh? That won’t stop us from having a drink,” the man smiled, picking up a glass. As he poured, his sleeve subtly slipped a white pill into the amber liquid, vanishing before anyone could see.

Though new to bars, Si Tang knew better than to drink anything given by strangers.