“Mr. Wan, have a glass of water to calm down.”

Zhao Fang and Zhao Yongchao left in disgrace, while Wan Lingfeng remained seated in a daze, his entire body motionless as if paralyzed. He sat in the chair for a long time without saying a word.

Gu Xicao motioned for Wang Laoshi to pour him a glass of water.

Wan Lingfeng instinctively took the cup and murmured, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Gu Xicao said, glancing at Lin Jianyi, who was making gestures in the background. Her lips twitched as she added kindly, “It’s better to find out now than later.”

Wan Lingfeng took a sip of water, his bitter smile tinged with helplessness. “I understand. I’m not stupid. That couple pretended to be siblings to scam me. If I had really gone through with the marriage, something terrible would’ve happened. I’ve been a policeman for so many years; I’ve seen cases of spouses killing each other over money. I owe this to you and Xiao Lin. Without you, I would’ve been an easy mark.”

“It’s good that you can see it this way,” Gu Xicao sighed in relief.

Lin Jianyi leaned on the table, looking at Wan Lingfeng, and reassured him, “Brother Wan, finding a wife isn’t that difficult. You’re a good man with a stable job. It should be easy to find a wife in Hong Kong. There are so many people here—how could you not find someone?”

“Don’t try to comfort me. I know myself. A stiff, quiet man like me—what woman would like that?” Wan Lingfeng sighed, placing the water cup down. “I’ve come to terms with it. I’ll leave matters of fate to fate.”

“Mr. Wan, you don’t have to be so discouraged,” Gu Xicao said with a smile. “You’ve been looking too far afield, but your match is likely closer than you think.”

“Close by?” Wan Lingfeng chuckled wryly. “Don’t joke with me. Everyone my age in the police force is already married, and the younger ones wouldn’t be interested in me. I’d feel embarrassed trying to date someone much younger.”

“Anyway, I won’t be wrong. Just keep an eye on those around you,” Gu Xicao said confidently.

Hearing this, Wan Lingfeng felt a faint glimmer of hope. But it was only faint; today’s revelations had dealt him a heavy blow.

The frustration and sense of inferiority brewing in his heart weren’t things he could easily share, especially not with someone as young as Gu Xicao.

He stood up to take his leave. Gu Xicao waved him off.

It was Lin Jianyi’s day off, so he looked at the disoriented Wan Lingfeng and asked, “Brother Wan, where are you headed now?”

“Where else? Home, of course.” Wan Lingfeng clasped his hands behind his back and patted Lin Jianyi on the shoulder. “Thanks for today. You don’t need to see me off—I can manage on my own.”

“Brother Wan, don’t say that. I’m free anyway; why don’t I keep you company?” Lin Jianyi’s concern was evident. A blow like this was hard for anyone to take, especially someone as sincere and kindhearted as Brother Wan.

He had nearly gotten married, only to discover the woman and her so-called brother were fraudsters. It wouldn’t be surprising if he took it badly.

“No need. I’d like some time alone. Don’t worry about me. I’ve been through worse—I’m not going to hurt myself or anything,” Wan Lingfeng said candidly.

Seeing that Wan Lingfeng’s expression wasn’t overly depressed, Lin Jianyi reluctantly agreed, watching him board the bus home. He made a mental note to call and check on him later.

Wan Lingfeng owned a small flat, not very big, but in Hong Kong, having a 500-600 square foot place to oneself was quite comfortable.

Since his mentor had passed away, the house had grown much quieter. Wan Lingfeng jingled his keys as he unlocked the door, only to hear another door opening next door.

“Mr. Wan, no work today?” asked his neighbor, Mrs. Zhou.

Wan Lingfeng was slightly surprised. “No, Mrs. Zhou. What about you? Aren’t you supposed to be at school today?”

Mrs. Zhou, a widow who lived next door with her daughter, rarely spoke to him. She was strict and composed, likely avoiding gossip.

“I wasn’t feeling well today, so I took a leave of absence,” Mrs. Zhou said, covering her mouth as she coughed lightly.

Wan Lingfeng, being kindhearted, said, “If you’re unwell, you should stay in bed and rest. Why come out and risk catching a chill?”

“I’m feeling better now. But you—you don’t look too well yourself. Are you feeling alright?” Mrs. Zhou glanced at him briefly before lowering her gaze and coughing again.

Wan Lingfeng touched his face hesitantly. “Really? I didn’t notice anything. I’m fine. I’ll head in now.”

“Alright.” Mrs. Zhou nodded and closed her door.

Back in his flat, Wan Lingfeng kicked off his shoes and sank into the sofa. Today’s event has drain all the energy from his body.

No matter how calm he appeared earlier, such a betrayal wasn’t easy to accept.

He had been single for forty years. Before, he refrained from marrying because he didn’t want to burden anyone while caring for his mentor. But back then, at least his mentor was there to keep him company.

Ever since his mentor passed, coming home from work to this empty apartment felt suffocating. The silence was maddening.

“Knock, knock, knock—”

Just as Wan Lingfeng was sinking into loneliness, there was a knock at the door.

He bolted upright like a startled fish. “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Mr. Wan,” Mrs. Zhou’s voice came from outside.

Perplexed, Wan Lingfeng frowned. They rarely interacted—why was she knocking now? Her daughter was the one who usually greeted him politely.

Curiosity piqued, he opened the door and saw Mrs. Zhou holding a medical kit.

“Mrs. Zhou, what’s this for?” he asked in confusion.

Mrs. Zhou thrust the kit into his hands. “It’s nothing. I noticed you didn’t look well earlier, so I thought I’d lend you this. It has all kinds of medicine—use whatever you need and return it when you’re done.”

“I…”

Wan Lingfeng instinctively wanted to refuse since he wasn’t actually sick.

But when he noticed Mrs. Zhou nervously gripping the edge of her clothing, he hesitated. Something clicked in his mind.

After a moment of silence, he smiled. “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll be going now,” Mrs. Zhou said hurriedly, waving her hand and retreating to her flat.

Back in his apartment, Wan Lingfeng placed the medical kit on the coffee table and opened it.

Inside was an assortment of items: fever medicine, cold remedies, band-aids, and even plum candies meant to coax children into taking medicine.

“Big sister, you look just like a fairy!”

Gu Xicao was wearing the same dress Secretary Lin had gifted her last time. She had only done a simple hairstyle, yet it was enough to leave Lin Yuan stunned, utterly amazed.

Lin Yuan held onto Gu Xicao’s hand and said, “Sister, you must come to our parent-teacher meeting. I want everyone in my class to know that my sister is the most beautiful sister in the world.”

“That depends on your grades,” Gu Xicao said as she tapped Lin Yuan’s forehead lightly. “As long as you pass every subject, I’ll go.”

Although she required Lin Yuan to focus on his studies, she wasn’t overly demanding about his grades. As long as he was earnest in his efforts, that was enough for her.

“That’s no big deal,” Lin Yuan huffed. “I can easily do that.”

“Don’t boast too soon.” Gu Xicao flicked his forehead with a snap. Just then, Uncle He came over and said, “Xiao Gu, it’s about time to leave.”

“Alright, I’m coming.” This time, Gu Xicao had requested Uncle He to drive her to the peak of Victoria Peak.

The Lin family heir’s birthday banquet was the hottest topic among Hong Kong’s upper class recently.

As soon as the car arrived, Gu Xicao noticed that the roads outside were lined with luxury cars—Maseratis, Ferraris, and others of the like.

Uncle He’s taxi stood out like a sore thumb amidst the lineup, drawing many curious glances. Gu Xicao, however, remained calm, even boldly looking back at those staring.

“Xueli, guess who I just saw?”

The Wang and Lin families were long-time friends. Wang Xueli had arrived early at the Lin residence, ostensibly to help. But in reality, Zhao Ruyu wouldn’t dare trouble this pampered young lady. She had instead arranged for her to sit and rest in the garden pavilion.

Sipping coffee and nibbling on pastries, Wang Xueli exuded elegance in a Dior black dress, a veiled sunhat perched on her head, and fiery red lipstick. She looked every bit like a blooming rose in the garden.

“Who? Your sister?”

When Li Yali’s sister was mentioned, a look of embarrassment flashed across her face. Though Li Yali had scolded her sister afterward, her father hadn’t sent the girl away, leaving Li Yali to bear the brunt of ridicule.

If it weren’t for the Lin heir’s birthday banquet being a must-attend event, Li Yali wouldn’t have left the house today. She angrily sat next to Wang Xueli and gritted her teeth, saying, “It’s that fortune-teller charlatan! I can’t believe she’s here too. What kind of status does she have to be at an event like this?”

“That Gu woman?”

Wang Xueli’s expression turned cold as she set down her coffee cup. “How could she possibly be here?”

“I have no idea. It’s baffling,” Li Yali said, her eyes darting slyly. Seeing Wang Xueli’s disdainful look, she added fuel to the fire. “Xueli, didn’t we see her acting all familiar with Young Master Lin last time? Could it be that she was invited by him?”

“Impossible!” Wang Xueli snapped, her voice sharp.

Li Yali jumped, leaning back in her chair, startled by Wang Xueli’s outburst. “Xueli, you scared me! I was just saying—it’s not like we know for sure. But Young Master Lin rarely takes special notice of women. The fact that he stood up for her last time… Honestly, I’m a bit jealous.”

Seeing the smile vanish from Wang Xueli’s lips and the annoyance flash in her eyes, Li Yali smirked inwardly but continued to provoke. “If this were my family’s event, I’d have kicked her out already. How is a mainland girl, a mere charlatan, fit for such an occasion?”

“You’re absolutely right.”

Wang Xueli nodded, her resolve hardening. “Someone like her shouldn’t tarnish the atmosphere of Qianshi’s banquet.”

She waved over a server and whispered instructions into his ear.

The server, aware of Wang Xueli’s status as the only granddaughter of the Wang family, nodded without hesitation and walked away.

Li Yali was secretly delighted. “Xueli, you really know how to handle things. That charlatan shouldn’t even step foot here.”

Wang Xueli shot her a glance. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. I’m only doing this because I feel the same way. Save your petty schemes for your family drama.”