Yu Wanru also recognized Zhou Junsheng from past encounters at the Su residence.  

Zhou Junsheng and Su Xiaoman’s engagement had been arranged by their families fifteen years ago. On the surface, they seemed like the perfect match—praised as a golden couple in their youth and admired as a talented and beautiful pair as adults.  

However, their marriage lasted only two short years.  

Zhou Junsheng stepped closer, visibly emotional. “Xiaoman, it really is you.”  

In contrast, Su Xiaoman remained indifferent. “What do you want, Mr. Zhou?”  

“I’m so relieved to see you’re doing well,” Zhou Junsheng said. “When you left the provincial capital without a word, I was so worried.”  

Su Xiaoman replied coldly, “Why say things that might be misunderstood? You and I are divorced and have no connection. Isn’t it laughable to talk about worrying?”  

Zhou Junsheng frowned slightly. “Xiaoman, don’t be like this. I know I was wrong in the past, but Youzhen truly couldn’t live without me. Even if we can’t be husband and wife, we can still be friends. Isn’t it normal for friends to care about each other?”  

Su Xiaoman couldn’t help but laugh at his self-serving logic. Shaking her head, she asked, “If you were so worried, what did you do about it?”  

“I thought about sending a telegram to check if you arrived home safely,” Zhou Junsheng explained, “but such matters can’t be conveyed in just a few words.”  

Su Xiaoman remained unimpressed. “When did you return this time?” she asked.

“Back two days ago,” he replied.

“Two days? Then, Mr. Zhou, since you’re so concerned about me, have you gone to the Su household during these two days to ask if I returned home safely?” she asked.

“Well… I was afraid your parents would be angry and wouldn’t let me in.”

Su Xiaoman finally laughed, not at him but at herself. How had she failed to see through this man all these years? Weak, selfish, and shirking responsibility—this was the person she had once shared a bed with. The thought made her sick.

Yu Wanru couldn’t stand it anymore either. She took Su Xiaoman’s arm and turned to leave. “Xiaoman, let’s not pay attention to him.”

However, Zhou Junsheng hurriedly stepped forward to block their way. “Xiaoman, please listen to me. I know I was wrong, but I still want to take care of you. Come back to the provincial city with me.”

Su Xiaoman frowned tightly and said impatiently, “Zhou Junsheng, what nonsense are you talking about?”

Yu Wanru held Su Xiaoman’s arm nervously. “Xiaoman, don’t listen to him! You absolutely can’t go back to the provincial city.”

Zhou Junsheng said, “This time when I returned, my father scolded me harshly. He was right—we’ve had a marriage arrangement for years. I can’t go back on it. Even if we can’t be husband and wife, I can still take care of you. You know Youzhen is kind-hearted; she won’t mind.”

Yu Wanru couldn’t hold back anymore and scolded him, “Zhou Junsheng, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?! Do you think you’re so important that Xiaoman can’t live without you? Let me tell you, a woman as outstanding as her has plenty of better men who appreciate her. Stop showing your shameless face!”

Zhou Junsheng looked disapprovingly at Yu Wanru. “So it’s you, Wanru. You’ve grown up. For Xiaoman’s sake, you should persuade her not to be so impulsive. She’s divorced. Do you think any respectable family would want to marry her? Or do you want her to live at her parents’ house for the rest of her life?”

“You—!” Yu Wanru was furious. She had never met someone so shameless, yet she couldn’t find the words to retort, making her face flush with anger.

Su Xiaoman was about to speak when a car suddenly stopped beside them. The window rolled down to reveal a handsome face. “Miss Yu, Miss Su, are you two out for a stroll?”

Yu Wanru was surprised to see him. “Mr. Zhou!”

Zhou Sheng got out of the car, smiling as he nodded at the two women. Then, glancing at Zhou Junsheng, he said meaningfully, “Is there anything I can do to assist you ladies?”

Yu Wanru quickly said, “This man has been pestering Xiaoman and me. Could you please give us a ride? Our driver is waiting at the end of the street.”

Zhou Sheng nodded and subtly positioned himself between the two women and Zhou Junsheng. “Do I need to call the police?”

Zhou Junsheng exclaimed, “Sir, please step aside. This is a private matter between Xiaoman and me.”

“Oh?” Zhou Sheng turned to him. “May I ask your name, and what your relationship is with Miss Su?”

With a hint of pride, Zhou Junsheng said, “My surname is Zhou. I’m an editor at the Xinhua Times in the provincial city and Xiaoman’s husband.”

“Ex-husband,” Yu Wanru corrected coldly.

Zhou Sheng nodded and pulled out a business card from his suit pocket. “What a coincidence; my surname is Zhou too.”

Zhou Junsheng took the card and stared at it, reading “General Manager of Wanchang Hotel” several times. His tone changed slightly. “So it’s Mr. Zhou. A pleasure to meet you. However, this is indeed a private matter between Xiaoman and me. I hope you won’t interfere, Mr. Zhou.”

Su Xiaoman frowned. “Zhou Junsheng, there’s nothing private left between us. If you’re sensible, leave now. If this escalates, it won’t look good on me, and it certainly won’t do you any favors.”

Zhou Junsheng looked at her helplessly. “Xiaoman, you need to face reality. Do you really think anyone decent would want to marry you now? You should come back to the provincial city with me.”

Zhou Sheng had been smiling faintly all along. Once Zhou Junsheng finished speaking, he said, “Just now, Mr. Zhou, you said this was a private matter between you and Miss Su, and that I should not interfere. However, I have every reason to. Mr. Zhou, you may not know this, but I’m currently pursuing Miss Su. As her suitor, I believe I’m qualified to discuss matters with her ex-husband.”