015 Harshness

“Why?” The moment Gu Yan stepped into Room 521, Shen Hong’s voice was already audible.

“Huh? President Shen, what are you doing here?” Wei Hao spoke without sensing the tension, naively unaware. Shen Hong ignored Wei Hao’s question, his eyes fixed coldly on Gu Yan’s indifferent face. “There’s no need,” she said without even glancing at Shen Hong. Perhaps she had once harbored hopes of reconciliation, but after that night, she had completely given up. Even a stranger would not remain indifferent when someone suffers a sudden bout of stomach pain right in front of them—let alone a lawful wife. This could only mean one thing: he no longer loved her.

“Do you two know each other?” Wei Hao realized just as Shen Hong slammed the door in anger and left.

“Not well.”

The air was thick with the mingled scents of smoke and alcohol. The music blared at full volume, nearly deafening. Men and women writhed wildly on the dance floor, their hips and waists moving with abandon. Women, dressed to kill, giggled and mingled among the men, teasing them shamelessly with flirtatious words. The women nestled coquettishly in men’s arms, whispering sweet nothings while the men drank and indulged themselves. This was the city’s most thrilling nightlife—the bar.

Beneath the dim lights, the bartender swayed gracefully, elegantly mixing a colorful cocktail. A man in a suit sat at the bar, downing one drink after another.

“Yo! Our young master Shen actually gets lonely sometimes? Need me to find some girls for you?” Luo Xiaomeng entered and took in the scene. She wasn’t to blame for taking advantage of the moment; she was simply too upset to hold back.

Shen Hong glanced at Luo Xiaomeng and continued drinking.

“Speak. What do you want?”

“Tell me about her.” Perhaps the alcohol had worn down his voice; it was hoarse.

“Heh!” Luo Xiaomeng sneered. “Should I be happy for Xiao Yan? Her ex-husband is drowning his sorrows in a bar.”

“Tell me about her.” He ignored Luo Xiaomeng’s tone and repeated the demand. He couldn’t understand why, although she had filed for divorce, the whole world seemed to blame him.

“You’re asking the wrong person.” Startled by Shen Hong’s tone, Luo Xiaomeng stopped teasing. “To be honest, I don’t deserve to be called Xiao Yan’s friend. When she was most heartbroken three years ago, it wasn’t us who stayed by her side. He should know that, but I doubt he’ll tell you.”

Shen Hong put down his glass at those words. “Who?”

“Zheng Yingqi. Back then, Cai Meiyuan was in Korea, Xu Xian was severely injured and unconscious, and at first, Eilin and I even blamed Xiao Yan. I don’t know what she went through during those days, but eventually, she vanished without a word.”

Seeing Shen Hong deep in thought, Luo Xiaomeng continued, “You clearly cared for Xiao Yan. Even I, as a bridesmaid, could feel the happiness between you two when you got married. Why did your attitude change after the wedding? I know Xiao Yan well—she loves you. I also know the immense pressure she faced to marry you. With so many eyes watching, I think she wanted more than anyone to make the marriage work, to prove to those waiting for your downfall how happy you were. If you think she divorced you for money, then I pity her. Think about it—Zheng Yingqi is better than you in every way. Why would Xiao Yan choose you? It’s not too late yet; reconciliation isn’t impossible. Think carefully—I don’t want you to regret this.”

After Luo Xiaomeng left, Shen Hong remained seated at the bar, nursing his drink. “Why did your attitude change after the wedding?” he wondered silently. He wanted to understand. Was it really so important to him? Shen Hong asked himself again and again but still found no answer.