016 Changing the Dressing

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

“Oh? President Shen, what are you doing here?” Wei Hao, completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere, spoke innocently. Shen Hong ignored Wei Hao’s question, his gaze fixed intently on Gu Yan’s indifferent face. “There’s no need,” she said without even looking at him. Perhaps she once harbored the faint hope of reconciliation, but after that night, she had completely given up. Even a stranger witnessing a sudden stomach ailment wouldn’t remain indifferent, let alone a lawful wife. This could only mean one thing: he no longer loved her.

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

“Not really,” Gu Yan replied.

The air was thick with the scent of smoke and alcohol. The music blared at full volume, nearly deafening, while men and women writhed wildly on the dance floor, swaying their hips and bodies in reckless abandon. Women dressed in striking attire mingled with men, laughing and teasing with flirtatious words that ignited the passions of those who could no longer control themselves. Women nestled coquettishly in men’s arms, whispering, while the men drank and caroused with them. This was the city’s nightlife at its most vibrant—inside a bar.

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

“Hey! Even our great Shen heir gets lonely sometimes. Need me to find you some girls?” Luo Xiaomeng stepped inside, taking in the scene. It was no wonder she took advantage of the moment to strike; she simply couldn’t hold back her frustration.

Shen Hong glanced at Luo Xiaomeng and continued drinking.

“Speak. What do you want?”

“Tell me about her.” Perhaps intoxication had hoarsened his voice.

“Heh!” Luo Xiaomeng couldn’t help but sneer. “Should I be happy for Xiao Yan? Her ex-husband is drowning his sorrows in a bar for her sake.”

“Tell me about her,” he repeated, ignoring her tone. He couldn’t understand why, when the divorce had been her decision, the whole world seemed to blame him.

“You’ve got the wrong person.” Perhaps startled by Shen Hong’s tone, Luo Xiaomeng stopped teasing. “I owe Xiao Yan an apology. I’m hardly worthy to call myself her friend. When she was at her lowest three years ago, it wasn’t us so-called friends who stood by her side. He should know, but I doubt he’ll tell you.”

Shen Hong set down his drink. “Who?”

“Zheng Yingqi. Back then, Cai Meiyuan was in Korea, Xu Xian was gravely injured and unconscious, and Yilin and I were initially blaming Xiao Yan too. I don’t know what she went through during that time, but in the end, she just disappeared without a word.”

Seeing Shen Hong deep in thought, Luo Xiaomeng continued, “You clearly cared for Xiao Yan. Even as her bridesmaid, I could feel the happiness between you two when you married. So why did your attitude change after the wedding? I know Xiao Yan—she loves you. And I know better than anyone the immense pressure she bore to marry you. With so many eyes watching, I believe she wanted more than anyone to hold on, to prove to those waiting for your downfall how happy you could be. 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 marry you? It’s not too late yet. Reconciliation is not impossible. Think carefully—I don’t want you to regret this.”

After Luo Xiaomeng left, Shen Hong remained at the bar, drinking. “Why did your attitude change after the wedding?” he wondered silently. He wanted to know why. Was it really so important to him? Shen Hong searched his heart but still couldn’t find an answer.