027 Preparing for a Rainy Day

"Why?" As soon as Gu Yan stepped into Room 521, Shen Hong’s voice rang out.

"Huh? Why is President Shen here?" Wei Hao, oblivious to the tense atmosphere, asked with naive confusion. Shen Hong ignored him, his eyes fixed on Gu Yan’s indifferent face. "It was unnecessary." She didn't look at him as she spoke. Once, she might have clung to the fantasy of reconciling, but after that night, she had completely given up. Even a stranger would not remain unmoved by someone suffering a stomach ailment, let alone a legal wife. There could only be one conclusion: he did not love her.

"You two know each other?" Only after Shen Hong stormed out, slamming the door in a rage, did the realization dawn on Wei Hao.

"We aren't close."

The air was thick with the smell of smoke and alcohol, and the music, turned up to its maximum volume, was deafening. Men and women writhed wildly on the dance floor, their hips and waists swaying in rhythm. Women in cold, glamorous attire mingled among the men, laughing and teasing those who couldn't restrain themselves. Women nestled seductively in men's arms, whispering sweet nothings, while the men drank and dallied. This was the heart of the city's nightlife: the bar.

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

"Oh! Our grand Young Master Shen actually has moments of loneliness? Do you need me to find a few girls for you?" This was the scene Luo Xiaomeng encountered when she walked in. It wasn't that she wanted to kick someone when they were down, but she simply couldn't hold back her resentment.

Shen Hong glanced at Luo Xiaomeng and continued drinking.

"Speak. Why did you look for me?"

"Tell me about her." Perhaps it was the alcohol, but his voice sounded hoarse.

"Hah!" Luo Xiaomeng couldn't help but sneer. "Should I be happy for Xiao Yan that her ex-husband is drowning his sorrows in a bar for her sake?"

"Tell me about her." Ignoring her tone, he simply repeated the request. He didn't understand; she was the one who had asked for the divorce, so why did the whole world seem to think it was his fault?

"You're asking the wrong person." Perhaps startled by his intensity, Luo Xiaomeng stopped mocking him. "Truth be told, I also failed Xiao Yan; I have no right to call myself her friend. Three years ago, when she was at her lowest, we weren't the ones by her side. Someone else was, but I don't think he'll tell you."

Shen Hong set his glass down. "Who?"

"Zheng Yingqi. At the time, Cai Meiyuan was in South Korea, Xu Xian was in a coma from severe injuries, and Yilin and I were actually blaming Xiao Yan from the start. I don't know what happened to her during those days, but in the end, she just vanished without a word."

Watching Shen Hong’s pensive expression, Luo Xiaomeng continued, "You clearly had feelings for Xiao Yan. As her bridesmaid, I could feel the happiness between you both when you married. Why did your attitude change after the wedding? I know Xiao Yan; she loved you. I know even better how much pressure she was under to marry you. With so many eyes watching, I think she wanted to hold on more than anyone—to show those waiting for a spectacle just how happy you were. If you think she divorced you for money, then I feel sorry for her. Think about it: Zheng Yingqi was better than you in every way. Why would she choose to marry you? It’s not too late. Reconciliation isn't impossible. Think it over; I don't want you to have regrets."

After Luo Xiaomeng left, Shen Hong remained at the bar, drinking. *Why did your attitude change after the wedding?* He wondered the same thing. Was her past really that important to him? Shen Hong asked himself, but he still could not find an answer.