“What does Lu Yi do for a living?” Gu Meisheng asked, still curious about Zeng Yu’s circle.
“I think he’s a shareholder at the club,” Zeng Yu replied as he started the car. “Where to?”
“Home,” Gu Meisheng said casually.
Zeng Yu paused for a moment, and she quickly explained, “I’m not really close with them. I’d just end up sitting there while you’d feel obligated to look after me. I’d rather go home and relax.”
Zeng Yu didn’t say anything, but he thought to himself: If you really cared about me, you wouldn’t ask why I wasn’t driving. Though he quickly realized he was overthinking it. Gu Meisheng just wanted more time to spend with him.
Of course, Zeng Yu didn’t dwell on it. Gu Meisheng, sensing that her plan had worked, felt secretly pleased. But then she remembered Jiang Nan, the woman who had come to visit Zeng Yu. That was one formidable rival, though luckily Zeng Yu hadn’t been home that day.
What’s the relationship between Jiang Nan and Zeng Yu, anyway? she wondered. Forget it. Today’s success was something I earned. For the sake of a brighter future, even if I have to go up against a goddess, I’ll fight for him.
With that resolution in mind, she smiled softly. “By the way, there was a woman named Jiang Nan who came looking for you while you were away on business. She asked me a lot about you and even treated me to a meal. She said she was your classmate…”
Zeng Yu’s hand trembled visibly as he drove.
Sensing the shift in mood, Gu Meisheng wisely kept quiet. She realized she’d made a mistake—Jiang Nan clearly held a special place in Zeng Yu’s heart. She mentally vowed never to bring up Jiang Nan in front of him again.
Feeling anxious, she glanced at Zeng Yu. Gently, she placed her hand on his and said softly, “I’m sorry.” She silently prayed that her words would reach him.
Her instincts were right—Zeng Yu wasn’t the type to hold grudges.
He shook his head, a bitter smile on his face. “No need to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s all in the past, and it should stay there.”
In that moment, Zeng Yu made a decision in his heart: If he couldn’t let go of the past, he wouldn’t be able to start a new life. Inviting Gu Meisheng out today was his first step forward. From here on, he would let things unfold naturally. For the past few years, he had been living in a world of his own making, stubbornly refusing to leave. But now, it was time to move on.
With that thought, a sense of calm washed over Zeng Yu.
When they arrived at their destination, Zeng Yu showed no signs of leaving the car. As Gu Meisheng got out, she turned and smiled. “Do you have any plans tonight?”
Zeng Yu shook his head. “Not much going on lately.”
“How about you come over for dinner tonight? I’ll cook,” Gu Meisheng offered sweetly.
Zeng Yu’s first instinct was to refuse, but he quickly realized it would be rude, so he nodded. “Alright.”
“Then it’s settled,” she said with a smile.
If he were to compare Gu Meisheng to Jiang Nan, Zeng Yu’s conclusion would be clear: there was no comparison. Whether it was looks, figure, family background, or ability, Jiang Nan was far superior—overwhelmingly so.
But Zeng Yu didn’t care about those differences. In fact, some of Jiang Nan’s advantages had become disadvantages over time. The past few years had left Zeng Yu exhausted. He wasn’t looking for the “marry a rich beauty, reach the pinnacle of life” kind of fantasy. When it came to relationships, Zeng Yu’s requirements were simple: he just wanted someone who could offer him a place to rest when he was worn out. Everything else was a bonus.
Watching Gu Meisheng head upstairs, Zeng Yu’s heart remained unsettled. The events of today had unfolded quickly, perhaps as the result of years of built-up pressure being released all at once. Calling Gu Meisheng from the club earlier had been a spontaneous decision. Everything that followed had been a continuation of that impulse, a way to vent the negative emotions he had accumulated over the years.
Ever the introspective person, Zeng Yu understood the cause of his actions and, with that, his mood finally relaxed. No matter what, he had already made peace with his past with Jiang Nan—at least on his end.
Now, where to go next? Back to the club? No, his friends there would just tease and mock him all night. Maybe a bar? But it was too early for bars to be open.
After a brief moment of indecision, Zeng Yu decided to go see a movie. Without thinking, he set the GPS for a nearby cinema. But while waiting at a red light, he spotted another cinema’s sign and suddenly realized he had been going out of his way unnecessarily.
In that instant, Zeng Yu froze, oblivious even when the light turned green. It wasn’t until the driver behind him honked that he snapped out of it and hurriedly drove on.
With a wry smile, Zeng Yu turned his car toward the closer cinema. After parking in the underground lot, he made his way upstairs, only to regret his decision. At this time of day, most moviegoers were couples, and being here alone felt awkward. He randomly bought a ticket for the nearest showtime, not even paying attention to the movie’s name. But when it came time to check in, he changed his mind. Stuffing the ticket into his pocket, he turned and left, deciding to just wander around the mall instead.
Zeng Yu aimlessly roamed the shopping mall, glancing here and there but not buying anything.
It wasn’t until a hand tapped him on the shoulder that he snapped out of his daze. Turning around, he found himself face-to-face with his old college roommate, Zheng Jie, and his girlfriend. Zeng Yu had shared a dorm with Zheng Jie for two and a half years before Zheng moved out to live with his girlfriend.
“What a coincidence!” Zeng Yu couldn’t hide his smile.
“Coincidence? You’re too much, man! You disappeared from the group chats, changed your number, and just vanished like a missing person,” Zheng Jie teased. He was fair-skinned, with frameless glasses and an average build. His girlfriend looked sweet and demure.
After some playful scolding, Zheng Jie stepped forward and gave Zeng Yu a hug.
In the harsh reality of society, that sense of pure camaraderie from the old school days felt especially precious.
“I thought I was pretty forgettable,” Zeng Yu joked with a sincere smile after the hug.
Zheng Jie dramatically rubbed his forehead and, pointing at Zeng Yu, said to his girlfriend, “Look at this guy! He was the definition of success in college. Worked every year, won scholarships, and still had time to study. Compared to him, we’re nothing. And now he says he feels invisible?”
His girlfriend, Chen Bailu, chuckled and extended her hand to Zeng Yu. “Chen Bailu, Zheng Jie’s girlfriend.”
“Zeng Yu, Zheng Jie’s former dorm mate. Nice to meet you.” Zeng Yu politely shook her hand.
It was obvious that she wasn’t the girlfriend Zheng Jie had during college.
“How about we find somewhere to grab a drink?” Zheng Jie suggested.
Zeng Yu shrugged. “Maybe another time. I don’t want to ruin your lovely afternoon.”
Chen Bailu smiled. “You two chat, I’ll just go browse the stores.” Before Zeng Yu could respond, she had already turned and walked away.
As she turned, her expression shifted slightly, a twinge of disappointment crossing her face.
Zheng Jie was a good boyfriend—decent family background, local household registration, and overall a good match for her. They had met through an introduction, and on their first meeting, Zheng Jie had been upfront about his previous long-distance relationship that had ended. His honesty had moved Chen Bailu.
Zeng Yu felt a bit awkward, but Zheng Jie didn’t mind at all. He smiled and said, “Don’t overthink it. You know, shopping with a woman is pure torture for a guy. Let’s grab a coffee downstairs.”
Zeng Yu sighed. “You haven’t changed a bit, still the same as always. Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow instead.”
Zheng Jie was surprised. He gave Zeng Yu a playful look before pulling out his phone. “Your number?”
“Thanks!” They exchanged numbers, and with a final word, Zheng Jie turned and left to catch up with Chen Bailu.
Standing at the railing of the mall, Chen Bailu gazed down at the bustling crowd in the main atrium. Suddenly, she felt a hand wrap around her waist, and without thinking, she slapped the hand away.
Zheng Jie, completely unprepared, looked stunned.
Realizing it was him, Chen Bailu gasped and immediately reached out to touch his face. “Why did you sneak up on me? I thought it was some creep!”
Before she could finish, Zheng Jie pulled her into a tight embrace.
After a while, they finally pulled apart. Chen Bailu, feeling elated, couldn’t help but ask, “What’s gotten into you? I barely recognize you right now.”
Zheng Jie smiled and gently stroked her face. “It’s nothing, really. Seeing Zeng Yu reminded me of a few things about us.”
“What things?” Chen Bailu asked eagerly.
Zheng Jie chuckled. “We’ve been together for so long, and it’s always been you taking care of me, looking out for me. But what have I done? Even when I have free time, I spend it drinking with friends, watching games, and playing video games. Zeng Yu turned down my invitation today, and it hit me—maybe I should be spending more time with you.”
Tears welled up in Chen Bailu’s eyes as she reached up to touch Zheng Jie’s cheek. “Does it still hurt?”
Zheng Jie smiled. “Not anymore. Come on, let’s keep shopping. Remember that dress you liked but didn’t buy last time? Let’s go get it now.”
Zeng Yu wasn’t as noble as Zheng Jie thought. He had only declined the invitation because he didn’t want to intrude on their date. After watching them walk away, Zeng Yu found himself feeling aimless again. In the past, his days were always packed, as if he were a clock wound up tight, with never enough time for anything. Now that he suddenly had free time, he didn’t know what to do with himself.
“Forget it. I’ll just go home,” Zeng Yu muttered to himself with a wry smile.
Hearing movement next door, Gu Meisheng’s first instinct was to rush to the door, but she stopped herself halfway. “Am I being too eager? I’ve been single for two years, haven’t I? I should stay composed!” But the next moment, she reconsidered. “These days, too much composure can leave you with nothing. Good men end up with other women, and then what’s left for me?”
With newfound resolve, Gu Meisheng threw open the door just as Zeng Yu was about to close his. “You’re back. Isn’t it boring to be home alone?”
Zeng Yu didn’t know how to respond, so he just nodded. Gu Meisheng smiled seductively. “Come over and sit for a while. I’m feeling bored too.”
Zeng Yu was a little taken aback. Were women this direct nowadays? But then he thought, maybe it’s not such a bad thing that women today have the courage to pursue their happiness.
Gu Meisheng’s heart raced as she waited for Zeng Yu’s response, like a gambler waiting for the cards to be revealed.
In the past, Zeng Yu would have immediately shut the door, blocking her view. But today, after a brief hesitation, he stepped out and closed his door behind him.
Gu Meisheng could hardly contain her excitement. She clenched her fists in joy.
“Come in, I’m just going to change into something more comfortable,” she said, pulling out a pair of slippers for Zeng Yu. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be quick.” She turned and headed to the bedroom while Zeng Yu let out a sigh of relief.
Standing in front of the mirror, Gu Meisheng clenched her fists and gave herself a pep talk. “No matter how great the job, it’s not as good as marrying well. There’s a diamond bachelor right in front of me. Don’t screw this up. If you miss this chance, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
