The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 181. Charming Color Encounter (First Release)

Chapter 181: 181. Charming Color Encounter (First Release)

Shen Qinglan raised an eyebrow at the person before her, not expecting to see Han Yi here. "What are you doing here?"

Han Yi hadn’t expected to run into Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi either. Hearing her question, he smiled broadly, "I’m just here for a stroll."

Shen Qinglan looked askance, "Traveling all this way just to stroll; Mr. Han is really in good spirits."

Even though he was subtly mocked, Han Yi’s smile did not falter, "Aren’t you here for a stroll too?"

"We’re not here to stroll," Fu Hengyi said indifferently, his tone revealing no emotion.

"Xiao Xuan is here filming, and I came to see her. You’re not here to see her too, are you?" Shen Qinglan calmly looked at Han Yi, her gaze probing despite her tranquil facade.

Han Yi scoffed, "How could that be? I’m not even close to that blonde chick, why would I come to see her? I’m just here to oversee my work; after all, I did invest in this TV series."

"That’s best." Her crisp voice carried a warning. Han Yi’s eyes darkened, but he said nothing and followed them into the studio.

When they entered, they saw Yu Xiaoxuan filming. They did not go up to disturb her and instead stood back in a corner.

"It’s amazing how much that blonde chick has improved in just a few months," commented Han Yi, stroking his chin with interest. Watching Yu Xiaoxuan, his eyes sparkled with amusement, "Little sister-in-law, you have a good eye. This girl indeed has great potential."

Shen Qinglan also watched Yu Xiaoxuan. Compared to before, she seemed thinner, but her acting was earnest.

"My wife’s judgment is naturally impeccable," remarked Fu Hengyi lightly.

Han Yi gave him a sidelong glance and muttered, "I know you have a wife, and I know she’s capable, but do you really need to act like your wife is the best and everyone else is nothing? That’s hardly fitting for you. You’re a special forces commander, for goodness’ sake. Isn’t it embarrassing to be so henpecked?"

Mr. Fu indicated he wasn’t embarrassed; he was proud to have a wife, and he shot Han Yi a "I know you’re just jealous" look before meaningfully glancing towards Yu Xiaoxuan.

Frustrated, Han Yi thought he must be seeing a fake Fu Hengyi; the real one would never engage in such childish and senseless acts.

After Yu Xiaoxuan finished filming, she noticed Shen Qinglan standing in a corner. Her face lit up with surprise, and she sprinted over to hug her.

Fu Hengyi wrapped his arm around Shen Qinglan’s waist and slightly turned, causing Yu Xiaoxuan to embrace thin air.

Pouting, Yu Xiaoxuan looked at Shen Qinglan. "Qinglan, what are you doing here?"

Shen Qinglan replied, "Came to see you and brought you some snacks." She didn’t forget to hand her the bag.

Yu Xiaoxuan happily accepted it and took a peek inside, then took a deep sniff, "It’s my favorite shrimp dumplings, from that place on Xinyuan Road. Qinglan, you treat me the best. You’re so good to me, I almost want to pledge myself to you—what should I do?"

Immediately, two men’s voices rang out.

"No way."

"You dare."

The former was Fu Hengyi, and the latter, naturally, was Han Yi.

Noticing Han Yi’s presence, Yu Xiaoxuan widened her eyes. "What are you doing here?" She couldn’t hide her disdain.

Han Yi’s face turned green. That heartless girl! It was New Year’s, and he was worried she’d be sad filming away from family, so he came to see her. Instead, she ignored him the moment she arrived, and now this tone of disdain—what was that about?

Han Yi sneered, "As a boss, can’t I come and check if my subordinates are slacking off?"

Yu Xiaoxuan rolled her eyes, "Sure, why not, but I’ve never seen a boss like you, just wandering around aimlessly in front of people all day. Is it because the company is about to go bankrupt that you have so much free time?"

Han Yi gritted his teeth—this bratty girl really needed a lesson. Indeed, he must have been too full and idle to have come here.

"I have something else to do, I’m leaving now." Dropping those words, Han Yi left in a cloud of dust.

Yu Xiaoxuan glanced at the angrily departing figure of Han Yi, confusion written all over her face, "What’s wrong with him?"

Fu Hengyi spoke nonchalantly, "Mid-life crisis, probably."

Yu Xiaoxuan choked; that joke was not funny at all, and promptly shoved Han Yi to the back of her mind, "Qinglan, Qinglan, how did you think I did just now?"

Shen Qinglan smiled faintly and nodded, "Very good, you’ve improved a lot." Compared to the last time she saw her in Jinning City, Yu Xiaoxuan had indeed made significant progress. Although her acting skills were still a bit green, they were rare for a newcomer.

Hearing Shen Qinglan’s approval made Yu Xiaoxuan very happy, "Really, Qinglan? Do you really think I’ve improved?"

Shen Qinglan nodded affirmatively, "Yes, you’ve improved a lot."

The smile on Yu Xiaoxuan’s face almost reached her ears as she joyfully held onto her shrimp dumplings. She had known it wouldn’t be easy when she chose this path, and she had indeed put in a lot of effort over the past few months, even working during the big holidays. Now, receiving affirmation from her most important friend, Yu Xiaoxuan felt like she was eating an ice cream on a hot summer day.

"Xiao Xuan, it’s your turn," someone called from the other side.

Yu Xiaoxuan responded, then passed the shrimp dumplings to Shen Qinglan, "Qinglan, hold these for me, just an hour, no, just half an hour, I’ll be quick."

"Okay, take your time, no need to rush; I’ll wait for you."

Yu Xiaoxuan ran halfway, then ran back, "You must wait for me."

"Got it, I’ll definitely wait for you."

Now that Yu Xiaoxuan had Shen Qinglan’s assurance, she felt relieved and went back to filming with peace of mind.

Shen Qinglan’s lips curved slightly, watching Yu Xiaoxuan’s figure, her mood lightening as well.

Fu Hengyi noticed the smile playing on Shen Qinglan’s lips and a hint of amusement passed through his eyes. In fact, his requirements had never been much; as long as Shen Qinglan was happy, that was enough.

Shen Qinglan was naturally beautiful, and Fu Hengyi was handsome too. Together, they made a strikingly attractive pair. When they first walked in, they had already caught the attention of many. It was only because Han Yi, the big boss, was with them initially that people didn’t dare to approach. Now that Han Yi had left, a middle-aged man immediately walked over to them.

And ever since Shen Qinglan was revealed to be the famous painter Leng Qingqiu, many people in Beijing recognized her, so she had already been spotted here.

"Are you friends of Xiao Xuan?" The man’s face was adorned with a friendly smile; he knew Shen Qinglan, and this question was merely a way to start a conversation.

As the saying goes, don’t strike a smiling face. Since the man extended a friendly gesture, Shen Qinglan naturally accepted it, especially after observing that this man had some clout in the crew.

"Yes."

The man’s smile grew as he pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Fu Hengyi, "I’m the director of this TV series, my last name is Wang."

Fu Hengyi took it, glanced at it, Wang Bin.

"Director Wang, nice to meet you. We hope you take good care of our Xiao Xuan," Shen Qinglan said politely, a rarity for her to say such things.

Fu Hengyi glanced sideways at her, she always cared deeply about those who mattered to her.

Director Wang smiled warmly, "Xiao Xuan is very hardworking and spirited; everyone on our team likes her a lot. It’s not so much about looking after her specially."

The other members of the crew were surprised as they observed Director Wang speaking so politely; in the circle, he was known for being reticent and even quirky in disposition. However, upon seeing Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi, his expression turned understanding.

Director Wang was also famously known in the circle for cherishing talent, especially when he spotted a promising newcomer; he couldn’t resist. A current top male star was discovered and pushed to fame by him.

"Xiao Xuan often mentions you, saying that you take great care of her and don’t dislike her for being a newcomer," Shen Qinglan continued. Of course, these were not really Xiao Xuan’s words but her own.

Director Wang’s smile became a bit more genuine. Everyone loves to hear good things about themselves, "Oh, not at all, it’s all Xiao Xuan’s own hard work. I have a decent script in hand, with a supporting female role that suits Xiao Xuan well. I plan to collaborate with her again after this drama wraps up."

Shen Qinglan slightly smiled, pleased by the unexpected good news, "Then, I must thank you on behalf of Xiao Xuan."

"No need to be polite. May I inquire what Miss Shen is currently engaged in?" Director Wang asked cautiously.

Shen Qinglan wasn’t surprised that he knew of her, "I haven’t graduated yet, just an unemployed loafer."

"Miss Shen is being modest; you are a renowned painter."

"A painter is a bit of an exaggeration; it’s merely a hobby. My achievements pale in comparison to yours, Director Wang."

Director Wang beamed, hesitated briefly then, driven by curiosity, asked, "I wonder if Miss Shen might be interested in acting? I have a film on hand, and its female lead’s demeanor matches excellently with Miss Shen’s."

Shen Qinglan didn’t expect Director Wang to approach her specifically to discuss this; a flicker of surprise in her eyes, she shook her head, "I’m sorry, Director Wang, I don’t plan to venture into the entertainment industry."

Not only did she personally lack interest, but her current identity also made it inconvenient to be involved in an industry as mixed as entertainment, neither the Shen Family nor the Fu Family would allow their children to mingle there.

Director Wang was disappointed but didn’t want to give up. He had received that script a year ago; it was great and he was sure it could be a hit. However, the script had high requirements for the leads’ looks. He had barely found a male lead, but had not settled on a female lead. Seeing Shen Qinglan today had sparked hope in him, as if he had discovered a great treasure.

"Miss Shen, please don’t rush to decline. I’ll send the script for you to review. If you’re interested, we can collaborate. If not, that’s also fine. What do you think?"

Given how he phrased everything, Shen Qinglan naturally couldn’t refuse and agreed.

Director Wang glanced at Fu Hengyi, seemingly interested in him as well. Shen Qinglan subtly shifted, screening him from Director Wang’s view, "Director Wang, it seems things are sorted out with Xiao Xuan."

Director Wang was sharp and understood her hint. He smiled, "Miss Shen, if you decide later, feel free to contact me anytime. My business card has my mobile number on it."

Shen Qinglan nodded politely.

Director Wang left, and, intimidated by Fu Hengyi’s aura, no one else approached; leaving just the two of them.

Fu Hengyi looked at Shen Qinglan, "If you want to give it a try, just go ahead. I can talk to the grandfathers."

Shen Qinglan knew what he meant and gently shook her head, "I’m truly not interested in these things."

Fu Hengyi said no more; he had always adopted a laissez-faire approach to Shen Qinglan. She could do anything she wanted to do; even if she were to break the sky, he could fix it for her.

"Qinglan, I’ve finished my scenes for today. Wait for me a moment. I’ll change my clothes and then we can leave," Yu Xiaoxuan ran over, still in her costume.

Shen Qinglan nodded, telling her not to rush.

Yu Xiaoxuan returned quickly, "Qinglan, let’s go." Glancing at Fu Hengyi, her expression hesitant. She wanted to talk to Qinglan alone, this man made it awkward. Besides, despite his good looks, his imposing aura made her speak in a hushed voice.

Fu Hengyi noticed Yu Xiaoxuan’s discomfort and gave a slight smile, "You sisters gather together. I have some stuff to take care of. When you’re done, send me the address, and I’ll come pick you up."

Shen Qinglan nodded her head, "Okay."

Fu Hengyi left his car with Shen Qinglan. As he headed out, he made a phone call to Han Yi, who was already on his way but then turned back to pick someone up.

"I really owe you one," Han Yi muttered.

"Let’s gather at Charming Color tonight," Fu Hengyi said, ignoring Han Yi’s mumbling.

"Oh, not taking care of your wife?" Han Yi asked with great interest.

"She’s going out with friends," Fu Hengyi replied.

"So you got dumped, poor thing," Han Yi teased with a click of his tongue.

"It’s still better than some people who don’t even have the guts to confess their feelings. At least I have a wife," Fu Hengyi said nonchalantly.

Han Yi almost spat blood, glaring fiercely at Fu Hengyi, "Aren’t I your brother? And you’re stabbing me in the back for a woman?"

"Calmly now," Fu Hengyi responded. "Brothers are like limbs, and a woman is like clothing. Can you go out without clothes?"

Han Yi’s face turned ashen. Calling this treacherous bastard! He furiously dialed Gu Yang and Gu Kai, "Tonight at seven, Charming Color."

He also called Shen Junyu and Jiang Chenxi, notifying each before turning to Fu Hengyi, "May I know where Mr. Fu plans to go now?"

"Let’s head straight to Charming Color." They had private rooms on the upper floors of Charming Color, where they sometimes stayed overnight if it was too late or they were too lazy to go home.

Han Yi had no objections and drove to Charming Color.

"If you’re serious about Yu Xiaoxuan, then as your brother, I’ve nothing to say. But if you’re just treating her like any of your past girlfriends, it’s best not to mess with her. She’s Qinglan’s friend, and if you hurt her, Qinglan will teach you a lesson, and I won’t be able to stop her."

Han Yi curled his lips – as if he was counting on you.

Not to mention stopping it, it would be good if you didn’t hand me the knife.

"I don’t have feelings for that blonde girl anyway. She’s skinny as a bean sprout, lacking in looks, and has a bad temper. I’m not blind to fancy her."

"You know whether you do or not, I’ve said my piece."

Han Yi fell silent, his expression fluctuating uncertainly. He didn’t even know what his feelings for Yu Xiaoxuan were.

As soon as Gu Yang entered, he saw Fu Hengyi and his gaze flinched slightly. A big smile appeared on his face and he fawned, "Brother, aren’t you supposed to be with your little sister-in-law today?" Han Yi hadn’t mentioned that Fu Hengyi would be joining them.

Fu Hengyi just glanced at him. He said nothing, but it sent a chill down Gu Yang’s spine and he felt uneasy, "Um, brother, I have something else to do later, so I’ll be going?"

"Come back," Fu Hengyi said flatly.

Gu Yang’s steps, which had been retreating, halted. He turned to Fu Hengyi, "Brother, I really have something urgent."

Fu Hengyi remained silent, just staring fixedly at him. Gu Yang’s scalp tingled, and he had no choice but to walk into the private room and sit down, but far away from Fu Hengyi.

Han Yi watched with relish, leaning his head on Jiang Chenxi’s shoulder, "Oh, Gu Yang, what have you done to offend Hengyi?"

Gu Kai knew that Gu Yang had lost a lot at Jile Casino, and in the end, it was Shen Qinglan who had resolved the matter, and it seemed that Fu Hengyi had found out too.

In fact, Gu Kai was a bit nervous, but since he always maintained a cold expression, no one had noticed anything wrong with him for the time being.

Fu Hengyi glanced at Gu Yang and Gu Kai, and both of them immediately had the same thought: they were doomed, big brother (Brother Fu) knew.

"I’ve already spoken with Li Commander; after the New Year, both of you will join the military to gain some experience," Fu Hengyi said indifferently. But as soon as he finished speaking, Gu Kai looked over.

"Well, Brother Fu, I don’t need to go, right?"

Fu Hengyi glanced over faintly, "I called Uncle Gu, and he said that since you don’t want to take over the business, you might as well go to the military with Gu Yang."

Gu Kai: ...

Had he known this would be the outcome, he would have just entered the company in the first place, especially since his greatest hobby was racing. If it weren’t for his parents’ strong opposition, perhaps he would be a race car driver by now.

Gu Yang didn’t dare say a word. Seeing the look on Fu Hengyi’s face, he knew that he must have found out about the casino. Not speaking might make his time in the military a bit easier.

Seeing Gu Yang obediently subdued, a hint of satisfaction flashed in the depths of Fu Hengyi’s eyes.

Daring to take his wife to engage in racing, fighting, or even gambling—any of these could lead Fu Hengyi to give Gu Yang a good thrashing, let alone when all three offenses were combined.

Facing Fu Hengyi’s chilly gaze, Gu Yang wished he could disappear on the spot. Big brother, you might as well just beat me up, really.

Shen Junyu was the last to arrive. He pushed the door open and saw a group of people, "Yo, everyone’s here. What’s the occasion today?"

"Someone got dumped by his wife, so he remembered us bachelors," Han Yi said coolly, somewhat schadenfreudic.

Shen Junyu looked around the room, and indeed, didn’t see Shen Qinglan, "Where did Qinglan go?"

Han Yi’s smile was quite dashing, his eyes gleaming, "She went on a date with her little lover, leaving Young Master Fu to guard the empty house."

Fu Hengyi gave him a cold look, and Han Yi immediately silenced himself. Thinking he’s great because he can threaten with just a glance, using his eyes to threaten me—well, this young master is magnanimous and won’t bother with you, hmph.

Shen Junyu knew not to take anything Han Yi said seriously, and lazily sat down next to Fu Hengyi, his gaze landing on Gu Yang, "What’s with Gu Yang and Gu Kai looking so downcast?"

Gu Yang remained silent. He had no mood for jokes right now and lay on the couch feigning death, while Gu Kai was also in a foul mood and didn’t want to speak.

Han Yi’s laughter grew even livelier, "Someone courted disaster and got sorted out."

Actually, Han Yi had no idea what Gu Yang and Gu Kai had done, but seeing someone else in worse straits than himself, he felt inexplicably pleased.

Jiang Chenxi pushed his head away, "Chenxi," a grown man shouldn’t be leaning on another male this way. Doesn’t it look odd?

"Chenxi," Shen Junyu saw Jiang Chenxi and remembered something, "Didn’t you have a blind date with Shen Xitong?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Yang, who had been playing dead, suddenly sprang up, his vitality starkly contrasted with his earlier demeanor, "What? A blind date?! Who with whom?"

Jiang Chenxi’s expression darkened slightly. Just mentioning that woman stirred a surge of anger within him; he had never met such an unattractive woman—not because of her looks, but because of her ugly heart.

Seeing Jiang Chenxi’s face, Shen Junyu understood everything. Perhaps Shen Xitong, who thought very highly of herself, not only disliked Jiang Chenxi but also said some unpleasant things.

"I didn’t know my mom played matchmaker for you two."

"It has nothing to do with you," Jiang Chenxi said with a slight smile. "You are you, and she is she." He had never connected these two people together, even though they were nominally siblings.

"As long as you don’t take it to heart, that’s good," Shen Jun Yu felt relieved. He wasn’t worried about Shen Xitong; he just feared Jiang Chenxi might harbor some thoughts.

"Can someone explain to me what on earth is going on with this matchmaking?" Gu Yang, looking at Jiang Chenxi and then at Shen Jun Yu, his face full of confusion.

Han Yi was curious too, but seeing Chenxi’s demeanor, he knew the matter was probably not a pleasant one, so he decided not to stir the pot.

Jiang Chenxi, this guy usually was absolutely gentle and graceful, a modest gentleman, but if someone truly annoyed him, then he was like a wolf black to the bone, absolutely sinister enough to make you cry without finding a place to cry.

Gu Yang scurried over to Jiang Chenxi, looking completely like a curious child, "Chenxi brother, what exactly is happening? How did you get involved with Shen Xitong?"

Jiang Chenxi looked at him with a smile and asked warmly and kindly, "Want to know?"

Gu Yang really wanted to nod and say yes, but facing Jiang Chenxi’s smiling eyes, he just couldn’t nod his head and waved his hand, "Actually, I don’t really want to know."

Having said that, he darted back to Gu Kai’s side; Han Yi gave him a cowardly look. Gu Yang glared, thinking if you are not a coward, then you go ask.

Han Yi averted his gaze; he was not that foolish.

With nothing much for a group of men to do, Han Yi pulled out a set of mahjong, "Come on, let’s play a round."

Shen Jun Yu was the first to sit down, followed by Gu Yang. Gu Kai did not play, and sat aside watching them.

"Chenxi, Hengyi, we’re one short," Han Yi called.

"I’ll step out for a while; you guys play," Jiang Chenxi said, lacking interest, and Fu Hengyi stood up, the room soon filled with the crisp clashing sounds of mahjong tiles.

**

"Why are you here, are you following me?" Shen Xitong looked at the man in front of her, scorn written all over her face.

Jiang Chenxi looked down at the brightly made-up woman in front of him, black silk sling mini-dress revealing glimpses of her fair skin, the hem of her dress barely reaching her thighs, showing off long, fair legs, her face heavily painted with eye shadow, bright red lipstick, a standard nightclub look, completely different from the woman he had met during the matchmaking.

If she hadn’t actively appeared in front of him, blocking his path, he wouldn’t have recognized her.

"I told you that day, you and I are impossible; we are not suitable. Even if you follow me and pretend to have a coincidental meeting, I will not feel we are meant to be."

Shen Xitong went on, completely oblivious to Jiang Chenxi’s increasingly cold face. Perhaps even if she noticed, she wouldn’t care.

"Moreover, this is not a place you can afford. You better leave early, and avoid losing a month’s salary by accident," she said disdainfully.

Just a poor teacher, even if his family’s circumstances were okay, what sort of place was this for him? Trying to punch above his weight, ridiculous.

"Do you always think so highly of yourself?" Jiang Chenxi’s voice was very deep, his tone ice cold. He was much taller than Shen Xitong, and now he looked down at her from above.

Shen Xitong had to raise her head to see his face clearly, but against the light, she couldn’t see his expression clearly, only feeling that the person in front of her seemed angry. She scoffed dismissively, relying on that little relationship between his mother and her mother to think he could compare with her?

She pulled out a stack of paper money from her bag and shook it in front of Jiang Chenxi, "Here, take this money. Consider it my treat for tonight. After this, don’t show up here again, don’t follow me anymore, even if your mom and my mom are good friends, I will not be with you."

Jiang Chenxi looked at the paper money in front of him, estimating about two to three thousand—a generous gesture indeed. Was this the famed socialite daughter rumored in Beijing?

He laughed. His features might not be very eye-catching, but they were the sort that became more appealing the more one looked, with an aura of scholarly charm, incongruous with the current environment, yet his smile at this moment somehow added an inexplicable allure.

Shen Xitong’s eyes flashed slightly, but she regained her composure in an instant. She was annoyed at herself for being bewitched by a poor teacher and threw the money she was holding onto Jiang Chenxi. "Take this money and leave."

It was literally thrown, the paper money fluttering down, scattering at Jiang Chenxi’s feet. Jiang Chenxi squatted down, picking them up one by one.

Shen Xitong looked down at his actions, sneered disdainfully, and muttered about how scholars were said to have their pride, which seemed to be not much after all, then turned to leave.

"Wait a moment."

When Jiang Chenxi spoke, Shen Xitong paused her steps, turned to look at him, her expression impatient, "What do you want now?"

Jiang Chenxi smiled, a cold glint in his smile. He grabbed a passing man, placed the money in the man’s hand, and said, "This lady has given you this money to invite you to spend a wonderful night together."

His luck was quite good; the man he randomly grabbed happened to be in this line of work. He glanced at Shen Xitong, his eyes brightening, and a self-believed charming smile appeared on his face, "I’m very pleased to serve you."

Shen Xitong’s face turned green with fury as she stared daggers at Jiang Chenxi, "Jiang Chenxi, what do you mean by this?"

Jiang Chenxi didn’t even look at her and walked away with long strides.

Shen Xitong, not about to swallow this insult, went to chase after him but suddenly felt a hand around her waist, and the unfamiliar man’s breath hit her face, thick with the scent of makeup.

"This lady, tonight is so beautiful. Whatever place you desire, whatever way you want it, I’m at your disposal, and I guarantee your satisfaction," the man said ambiguously, even kissing Shen Xitong’s earlobe.

Shen Xitong’s body stiffened, and then she forcefully pushed the man away, slapping him on the face, "Get lost." She felt something wet on her ear and felt nauseous in her stomach.

Her slap was powerful; the man, not expecting this woman to act so quickly, got hit squarely across the face, which enraged him. Their line of work depended on maintaining a good appearance, and if his face was ruined, so was his livelihood.

"You, you dare to hit me?"

Whenever others showed toughness, Shen Xitong softened. Seeing the man become ferocious, she felt faint with fear, afraid that he would punch her. After all, she was just a woman; if he really struck her, she wouldn’t stand a chance.

"What are you going to do? Let me tell you, if you dare to lay a finger on me, you’re not going to like the consequences," Shen Xitong screamed as the man raised his hand.

"To hit you would be letting you off easy." The man’s slap was about to land.

"Wait a minute," Shen Xitong shouted, and the man paused.

"Is it just money that you want? I have a lot of money." Shen Xitong opened her purse, took out a stack of paper money without looking, and threw it at the man, "Take this and get lost with it."

This money was even more than what Jiang Chenxi had given him. Satisfied, the man took the money and left. Before leaving, he turned to give Shen Xitong a coquettish smile, "Beautiful, my name is Carey. I come here often. If you ever need anything, just call me. I’m... really good." His face was powdered, and his lips seemed freshly glossed, giving him a somewhat effeminate charm.

Shen Xitong could no longer hold in her disgust and ran into the restroom to vomit violently, scooping water with her hands to splash on her face, repeatedly washing her ear until it turned red.

Her makeup was completely ruined, with eyeliner streaked across her face, forming black marks that looked quite horrifying.

She took out a wet wipe from her bag, cleaned her face, and reapplied her makeup, looking at the dazzling reflection in the mirror. Yet, the frustration in her heart could not be calmed.

Jiang Chenxi, you just wait.

Due to her recent activities, her clothes at the chest area were now thoroughly wet. Although her clothes were black and thin, now that they were wet, they clung tightly to her body, outlining the alluring curves of her chest.

Shen Xitong didn’t mind, looking at her reflection in the mirror, she nodded in satisfaction, twisted her waist, and headed to the dance floor.

She really hated her own self, trapped by the constrains of the Shen Family, having to maintain an elegant and dignified demeanor to preserve her public image as a young lady of good standing, not to mention wearing such revealing clothes and heavy makeup in public.

But she couldn’t let go of her identity as Lady Shen, because deep down she knew once she lost the Shen Family, she would be nothing and have nothing.

So, she could only occasionally visit nightclubs to play and relax.

However, even when going to nightclubs, she had to cake her face with thick makeup and put on heavy makeup to make sure she wasn’t recognized.

A muscular man circled around her. She smiled, patted the muscles of the man in front of her, and threw him a flirty gaze.

She liked powerful men, not those slick, pretty boys like the one before her, like Fu Hengyi, and like, the man currently in front of her.

**

"Chenxi, where did you just come from? You look so upset," Han Yi asked upon seeing Jiang Chenxi coming in.

Jiang Chenxi sat down on the sofa, took a swig of the alcohol on the table, and said coldly, "I encountered a self-righteous lunatic."

Han Yi gave an ambiguous smile, "A female lunatic, right? Chenxi, your charm is really something."

Jiang Chenxi shot him a cold glance, "Did you win tonight?"

Han Yi smiled proudly, "Of course." Fu Hengyi was clearly distracted and didn’t care about winning or losing, naturally making him the biggest winner.

Jiang Chenxi walked over, patted Fu Hengyi’s shoulder, and said, "Let me play a couple of rounds."

Since Fu Hengyi had only been there to make up numbers, he naturally gave his place to Jiang Chenxi.

"Yo, Chenxi, bringing your brother some money today?" Han Yi whistled.

Jiang Chenxi did not speak but merely flashed a warm smile.

Shen Junyu glanced at Han Yi. Wasn’t he usually pretty shrewd? Had he begun to play the fool now, not noticing that Jiang Chenxi was in a bad mood?

"Chenxi, where did I offend you to deserve such harsh treatment?" After losing five rounds, Han Yi finally grimaced and complained.

Jiang Chenxi scooped up the chips in front of Han Yi towards himself, and seeing the tall stack of chips eased his gloomy mood somewhat. His gaze towards Han Yi also carried a smile.

"I didn’t offend me—I’m just a bit short on cash recently, earning some pocket money."

Han Yi’s face turned an iron shade of blue. You’re short on cash—my ass! Others might not know, but how could I not? Outwardly you’re a university professor, but who doesn’t know about your skills in handling the gaming table? I, Han Yi, would not dare claim first place to your skills, probably even my entire fortune isn’t as much as yours, Jiang Chenxi.

Jiang Chenxi collected the chips in front of him calmly, "It’s getting late, I’m heading back."

"Running off after winning, Jiang Chenxi, you bastard," Han Yi cursed.

Fu Hengyi also stood up, "I’m leaving too." He was holding his phone, apparently sending a message, and to whom was naturally unsaid.

"I should go back too, or it’ll be hard to explain if I’m late," Shen Junyu stood up and grabbed his coat.

Han Yi glared at those who were leaving. After staring for three seconds, he threw the mahjong tiles on the table, "You’re all leaving, what’s the point in me playing alone? Go on, everybody go back to their own homes."

Gu Yang and Gu Kai thought for a moment and followed suit, and in a blink of an eye, the group had left.

"Hey, Junyu, isn’t that your sister?" Han Yi casually glanced downstairs, grabbed Shen Junyu, and pointed at a figure in the dance floor below.