The Jinling Hotel was filled with wealthy families and famous celebrities from all over the country. Anyone attending this banquet was either rich or powerful.

Zang Ling didn’t like socializing, but she still came tonight. As for why? Well, this all started last night.

As usual, she went downstairs to eat. She had barely warmed her seat when she suddenly heard Zang Xiuming ask, “Lingling, are you still working overtime?”

“No.”

“Then I’ve been talking to you for ages, why haven’t you responded at all? Are you on Bluetooth, talking to someone else?”

Jiang Qiongyin calmly answered, “Stop asking. Lingling’s definitely chatting with Xiao Yan. Don’t get in the way.”

Zang Ling was surprised. “Mom, how did you know?”

“I’ve been there, done that. How could I not know? Ever since you got home, you’ve been smiling non-stop. But Lingling, don’t chat while eating. Look at you, You’ve barely touched your food.”

“I just can’t really help it.” Zang Ling lowered her head, smiling a little shyly.

Jiang Qiongyin gave her an I get it look, her eyes full of amusement. “Well, I’ll look forward to drinking at your wedding then.”

“Hahaha, that’s still a long way off.”

Zang Xiuming looked like he had something to say but hesitated. Zang Ling noticed his expression, so after saying a quick word to Yan Wenshu, she hung up the phone.

“Dad, just say what you want to say.”

“Lingling, you two aren’t even officially together yet, and that guy is already playing tricks to hook you in. I don’t approve of this relationship!”

Zang Ling replied,
“We are together. Just two days ago. I forgot to tell you guys.”

Zang Xiuming froze for a moment, then turned his head and said stubbornly,
“Well, I still don’t approve. I think he’s after our family’s money. He doesn’t really love you.”

“Dad, that’s all your speculation. Besides, I’m just dating him. It’s not like we’re getting married. If it doesn’t work out, we can just break up.”

Zang Xiuming was stunned by his daughter’s “heartless player” mindset, and for a brief second, he actually started feeling sorry for that punk.

Looks like he was worrying too soon. Whether they could even make it to marriage was still a big question.

“Still, you need to take your partner’s character seriously. Don’t get scammed.”

Zang Ling smiled. “How could I? Yan Wenshu isn’t that kind of person, Dad, you’re overthinking.”

Jiang Qiongyin added, “Zang Xiuming, the kid finally got herself a boyfriend, and here you are meddling again. If Lingling ends up single for life, let’s see where you’ll cry then!”

Zang Xiuming grumbled stubbornly, “I’m just worried about her, okay? Lingling, there’s a banquet the day after tomorrow. Bring Yan Wenshu along and let’s see what kind of person he is…”

He thought hard for a moment and continued, “…the kind of person who’s greedy for money and forgets morals at the sight of profit!”

…

And now, back to the present.

Zang Ling smiled helplessly. And so, under her dad’s strong insistence, she brought Yan Wenshu along.

“Are you feeling uncomfortable? We can leave early if you want,” she asked.

Yan Wenshu smiled gently, “I’m fine. Do you want to leave?”

“Kind of…” Zang Ling was momentarily distracted by his smile and blurted out, “You look really good tonight.”

Yan Wenshu suddenly got playful and teased, “Are you saying I don’t look good normally?”

“No, suits really look good on you. Normally you’re a 10 out of 10, but in a suit, you’re like a 15 out of 10.”

“…I’m no different from anyone else.” Yan Wenshu heard her reply and, even though he was the one who started it, felt oddly awkward.

“In my heart, you’re—” Zang Ling gave a big thumbs-up, “—this!”

Yan Wenshu chuckled and glanced off into the distance. “You just said you wanted to leave. Are you sure it’s okay?”

Zang Ling was about to say it was fine, but then remembered Zang Xiuming’s instructions. She hesitated for a moment and said, “Do you want me to introduce you to some of these people?”

The smile in Yan Wenshu’s eyes gradually faded, and he shook his head. “I’m not interested in them. But if you need my help, just say the word.”

Zang Ling continued probing, “There’s going to be a small auction later. If you see anything you like, just tell me. Don’t be shy.”

Yan Wenshu shook his head again. “Even if I bought it, it would just sit at home collecting dust. No need.”

Hearing this, Zang Ling felt even guiltier and somewhat regretted testing him like this because of her dad. See? These temptations had absolutely no appeal to him.

“I’m sorry, Yan Wenshu. What I said just now was actually testing you on purpose.”

Yan Wenshu was surprised. “Why?”

Zang Ling thought she couldn’t possibly tell him it was because of her dad, so after thinking about it, she half-jokingly said, “I was afraid you were after my money instead of me.”

“Is that so? You’re mistaken,” Yan Wenshu replied softly. What he really wanted wasn’t these things.

Hearing that, Zang Ling grinned happily.

“Let’s go. There’s nothing important going on tonight anyway.”

Just as they were heading for the door, a couple came walking toward them.

“Zang Ling? / Wenshu!”

Zang Ling frowned at the two people in front of her. It was Yuan Haolang and Han Lanmeng.

“You’re blocking our way. Please move.”

Yuan Haolang ignored her. Instead, he turned to Han Lanmeng, his tone vaguely strange,
“You know Zang Ling’s lover?”

“Lover?!” Han Lanmeng’s eyes widened in disbelief.

There was even a trace of sympathy in her gaze toward Yan Wenshu.

Yan Wenshu remained unmoved. There was no way she could affect him now.

[What kind of hornet’s nest did we poke today? Both the male and female leads showed up.]
The system sighed in relief, [Luckily, Host, you have Zang Ling. Otherwise, you’d definitely end up as part of their drama again.]

Seeing that Han Lanmeng misunderstood, Zang Ling couldn’t help but explain, “Yan Wenshu is my boyfriend, the type I’m going to marry in the future. He’s not some secret lover, don’t listen to his nonsense.”

Marry?!

Han Lanmeng looked even more displeased, her eyes blazing with anger. “Miss Zang, even if Wenshu is your boyfriend, you can’t just restrict his freedom! What right do you have to make him stay away from his old friends? You’re too selfish!”

Zang Ling was dumbfounded, “?”

She was literally framed for something she didn’t even do.

Yuan Haolang narrowed his eyes. “Xiao Meng, is he the friend you were talking about?”

“Mhm, Wenshu took great care of me when I was little. I’m really grateful to him,” Han Lanmeng said with a gentle smile.

But Yuan Haolang felt a bit uncomfortable inside. He gave Yan Wenshu another once-over, this time with suspicion. What’s so great about him anyway? Just because he’s a little better looking? Why did all the women seem to side with him?

Zang Ling wasn’t buying Han Lanmeng’s act at all. “Miss Han, I’ve never interfered with Yan Wenshu’s social life. Next time you speak, please get your facts straight. Don’t go around wrongly accusing people without evidence. I won’t just let that slide.”

Han Lanmeng’s face paled slightly. She hadn’t expected Zang Ling to be so sharp. How could Wenshu possibly like a woman like this?

Even though Yuan Haolang disliked Han Lanmeng having dealings with Yan Wenshu, he also wouldn’t tolerate anyone bullying his woman. He snapped, “Zang Ling, apologize to Xiao Meng right now! Or I’ll really get mad. She was just standing up for her friend. Did you really need to talk to her like that?”

“Bro, seriously! what on earth makes you think I like you?”

Zang Ling couldn’t help but ask, “Have you even looked in a mirror? I’ve got such an amazing boyfriend. Why would I go for you?”

“How could you insult Haolang like that, Miss Zang? Clearly, you were the one who misunderstood, and instead of admitting it, you even tried to twist the truth. No decent person acts like that,” Han Lanmeng accused.

Watching Han Lanmeng’s indignant look, Yan Wenshu recalled how, in his past life, she’d protested to him just like this about how heartless Yuan Haolang was. And in the end? She still ran back to him like nothing ever happened.

Suppressing the disgust in his eyes, he calmly said, “Not only does he have other women, but he also wants to enjoy having them all.”

Yan Wenshu looked steadily at Yuan Haolang. “Do me a favor and stay away from my girlfriend. Take care of your own affairs.”

Yan Wenshu was tall — nearly 1.9 meters. Yuan Haolang had to slightly look up to meet his gaze, and at this moment, for the first time, he actually felt threatened by this so-called pretty boy.

“Haolang isn’t like that!” Han Lanmeng didn’t understand why Yan Wenshu was getting involved at all. Disappointed, she said, “Wenshu, ever since you got together with Miss Zang, you’ve changed. You used to be so discerning, you’d never say things like this.”

“That’s because you never really knew me.”

Yan Wenshu replied blandly, “Han Lanmeng, don’t take your anger out on my girlfriend. She hasn’t done anything wrong from the start.”

“You… you actually called me by my full name…” Han Lanmeng looked at Yan Wenshu sadly. She didn’t even really register Yan Wenshu’s words, all she could feel was that he was no longer the gentle older brother who used to spoil her unconditionally.

And the culprit behind all of this — was none other than the woman in front of her!

Han Lanmeng glared at Zang Ling, as if she were the witch who had bewitched her childhood sweetheart.

Zang Ling was at a loss for words. “Miss Han, can I speak with you alone for a moment?”

Han Lanmeng glanced at Yuan Haolang. He nodded at her. “Go ahead. I happen to want to have a chat with your friend too.”

Only then did Han Lanmeng reluctantly agree. But Zang Ling didn’t move right away — instead, she looked at Yan Wenshu and asked, “You good?”

Yan Wenshu shook his head. “All good.”

Han Lanmeng had no idea what secret signal they just exchanged, but watching their subtle eye contact made her feel sick, so she hurried Zang Ling to move along.

They headed to the balcony. There was no one there at the moment, a perfect place to talk.

Zang Ling closed the door behind them. When she turned around, she saw Han Lanmeng eyeing her warily. Amused, she chuckled, “Miss Han, there’s no need to be so tense. I’m not here to steal your man.”

Han Lanmeng pressed her lips together. “Who knows what you’re really up to.”

“I’m getting the feeling you really don’t like me. Mind telling me why?” Zang Ling asked curiously.

Han Lanmeng replied, “No one likes someone who belittles their own boyfriend.”

Zang Ling casually walked to the other side of the balcony. Looking at Han Lanmeng, she asked, “Do you like Yuan Haolang?”

“That’s right. What are you trying to say?”

“Relax, I don’t like him.”

Han Lanmeng frowned. “Then why ask?”

“I just want to persuade you to escape this mess and leave Yuan Haolang. He’s really not worth it,” Zang Ling stated simply. “Arrogant, condescending, sexist — he’s the type that should stay single forever, so he doesn’t ruin any other women’s lives.”

A flicker of darkness crossed Han Lanmeng’s eyes. “No matter what you say, I won’t leave Haolang. I love him, and he loves me. The reason you think poorly of him is because you’re prejudiced!”

Zang Ling genuinely couldn’t understand. “What exactly about him attracts you? His looks, his family background, or his personality? If you’d just look around, you’d find tons of men better than him.”

“Stop insulting our love! I’m not as shallow as you. Haolang treats me really well! He comforted me and cared for me when I was at my lowest. He let me feel like life is actually not that hard.”

Zang Ling’s expression grew serious. “Then do you know what he’s been doing when he’s not by your side?”

“Of course I do.” Han Lanmeng’s lips curved into a smile. “His parents don’t really approve of our relationship, so whenever he’s away, he’s been working on persuading them. It won’t be long before we get their blessing.”

Zang Ling stared at her blissful expression, hesitating for a brief moment — should she tell her the truth?

If she told her, her beautiful dream would shatter.

But if she didn’t, was she really going to just watch her get deceived like this?

After a long silence, Zang Ling finally said, “A few days ago, he came to my company and proposed a marriage alliance. I refused, but he’s still relentlessly pestering me.”

“…So what, are you bragging?” Han Lanmeng suddenly said, covering her face and crying. “Bragging that he proposed to you! Miss Zang, you already have someone you like. Why won’t you let go of my boyfriend?”

“I won’t let you take him away from me!”

Zang Ling was left dumbfounded.

“I’m telling you all this because I want you to see Yuan Haolang’s true colors…”

Han Lanmeng wiped her tears, her voice firm. “Haolang must have his reasons. He told me I’m the one he loves most, that he wants to marry me. He would never betray me! It’s you who’s been trying to sow discord between us. What exactly are you trying to do?”

Zang Ling looked at her for a long time before waving her hand dismissively. “Fine, if you won’t believe me, so be it. I’ve said what I needed to say. We’re all adults here. Your choices, your consequences.”

She had been wrong.

In a certain sense, the two of them were a perfect match.

Suddenly feeling tired, Zang Ling turned to leave, but then she heard the woman behind her speak in a timid voice, “Miss Zang… could you let Wen Shu go?”